Nomination for Avon Isle

From the form

The catalogue entry the section above was filed under.

NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 10-90) 456 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES REGISTRATION FORM OMB No.1024-0018- RECEIVED 2280 MAY 2 7 2010 NAT. REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES NATIONAL PARK SERVICE 1. Name of Property Historic name Other names/site number N/A Avon Isle 2. Location street & number city or town state 37080 Detroit Road Avon Ohio code OH 3. State/Federal Agency Certification county Lorain code 093 N/A not for publication N/A vicinity zip code 44011 As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act of1986, as amended, I hereby certify that this{* nomination - request for determination of eligibility meets the documentation standards for registering properties in the National Register of istoric Places and meets the procedural and professional requirements set forth in 36 CFR Part 60.

In my opinion, the neets -does not meet the National Register Criteria. I recommend that this property be considered significant -] nationally C Bastawr even Dept. Head, Inventory & Registration Signature of certifying official Date May 17, 2010 Ohio Historic Preservation Office, Ohio Historical Society State or Federal agency and bureau In my opinion, the property - meets - does not meet the National Register criteria. (O See continuation sheet for additional comments.) Signature of commenting or other official Date State or Federal agency and bureau 4. National Park Service Certification 1. herg oy nerey ihatte Naronarle esi entered in the National Register - See continuation sheet. determined eligible for the National Register - See continuation sheet.

determined not eligible for the National Register removed from the National Register other (explain): Veg Beell T5p Avon Isle 5. Classification as many as py - private x public-local -public-State - public-Federal Category of Property beiding one box) - district - site O structure - object Name of related multiple property listing (Enter "N/A" if property is not part of a multiple property listing.) N/A 6. Function or Use Historic Functions (Enter categories from instructions) RECREATION AND CULTURE/Music facility, theater, outdoor recreation, fair, sports facility, dancehall 7.

Description Architectural Classification (Enter categories from instructions) OTHER/Vernacular Lorain County, OH Number of Resources within Property Do not include previously listed resources in the coun loncontributin 1 _buildings sites structures objects 1 Total Number of contributing resources previously listed in the National Register 0 Current Functions (Enter categories from instructions) VACANT/NOT IN USE Materials (Enter categories from instructions) Foundation roof walls STONE ASPHALT/Shingles WOOD/Weatherboard other NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Section number ] Page 1 OMB No. 1024-0018 Avon Isle Lorain County, OH Narrative Description SUMMARY: The 50-by-70-foot dance pavilion known as Avon Isle is located in Avon Isle Park at 37080 Detroit Road in Avon, Ohio.

he City of Avon owns the park, and the now vacant pavilion. Constructed in 1926, this one story rectangular building wi w hip roof and columned porch conveys an overall sense of French Colonial revival. With few exceptions, the exteric and interior of the building are unchanged from their original construction. Currently, Avon Isle is in good condition although some repairs are needed. SETTING: Avon Isle Park is located on the north side of Detroit Road, west of State Route 611, within an area of Avon known as the French Creek District. Surrounded on three sides by French Creek, the 4-acre park is encircled by woodland consisting of mature deciduous and coniferous trees. Avon Isle dance pavilion is situated on a nearly 2-acre parcel within the park. The only access to the property is from Detroit Road via a one-lane bridge.

State and local funds have recently been appropriated to reconstruct the bridge. Currently, there is ample parking available on Detroit Road just south of the bridge. A sawmill was built in 1854 adjacent to the present location of the pavilion. At that time, a deep raceway channel was dug to increase the velocity of water to the waterwheel. This construction turned the Avon Isle property into an island. The raceway channel has since been filled making the property a peninsula. EXTERIOR DESCRIPTION: Avon Isle was built as a dance pavilion and community gathering place in 1926. This one-story rectangular, wood-frame building (50 by 70 feet) features a low pitched truncated-hip roof with a centrally located, four-sided hipped-roofed cupola. The exterior walls of the entire building consist of painted horizontal clapboard siding.

The rear of the building has a quarry-face sandstone foundation with a full basement, while the front porch is suspended over a crawlspace supported with stone piers. The front-facing west façade (photo 3) has three bays; two 12-over-12-double hung windows with wide painted wood casing which flank a centrally located double door. Next to the window on the right is a four panel wood door which has been rendered non-functional. It appears that it may have been used as an access to the basement when two events were going on at the same time. There is a lighted "Exit" sign on the inside, suggesting that the door may have also served as an auxiliary fire escape route at some time in its past. The west façade also has a full-length porch topped with a shed roof supported by six round,unfluted Doric columns.

The columns serve as supports and rest on half-height, painted wood clapboard side walls. The porch is approximately four feet above ground level and is supported by stone The south side (photo 2) has five bays, each with a 12-over-12-double-hung window, above four 8-light basement windows and an attached gable-roofed shed with entrance door. A single-story shed-roof storage shed projects from the foundation with no fenestration and an entry door on its east side. The south façade chimney is not original, added within the past 10 years when a new furnace was installed in the basement. The east side (photo 4) (back) has two bays, each with 12-over-12-double-hung windows, an original brick chimney and an entrance door to the basement level. NPS Form 10-900 (Rev.

10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Section number ] Page 2 OMB No. 1024-0018 Avon Isle Lorain County, OH The north side (photo 5) has a continuation of the front porch roof and six bays; three 12-over-12-double-hung windows, two smaller 3-over-3 fixed or casement windows and an entrance door which appears to have been either altered or placed at an unknown time. A small wooden landing with wooden stairs and rails provide access to the entrance. The walls are constructed using balloon wood framing. Overhanging boxed eaves with attached gutters surround the perimeter of the building. The hipped roof is covered with coursed shingles, applied in 1989. The basement is constructed of square cut, quarry-face sandstone with window openings.

Avon Isle has undergone very little physical change in its 84 years; it retains the major features of its design and function. All large double-hung windows are original, as is the horizontal clapboard siding. The original color was most likely white, but is currently painted a medium gray-blue. Window and door openings are in their original location except where noted; however, the front doors have been replaced. The original main entrance was a wooden double door, painted gray with a row of small transom windows at the top (interview with Jessie M. Root, October 31, 2008). This door was replaced at an unknown time. The cupola was used for ventilation, air circulation, and natural lighting. The cupola windows have been covered with wood to conserve heat, but they are still intact.

The front porch is weather-beaten; the whole building needs INTERIOR DESCRIPTION: With a few minor exceptions, the interior of Avon Isle remains remarkably unchanged since its construction in 1926. The two floors of Avon Isle contain two separate personalities. The first floor is a large open room with the original wooden dance floor while the basement has a cement floor and stone walls. The first level is an open expanse; the original wood floor is illuminated by sunlight pouring in through the large double hung windows (photos 11, 13). Inside, the hardwood floor is scuffed and the mirrors are clouded from age. The ceiling follows the roofline to the top of the building; however, a temporary drop ceiling was installed in the mid-1990s to conserve heat. A carpeted stage, located symmetrically along the north wall, is another notable interior feature (photo12).

Two beveled glass mirrors flank the stage. A wide staircase, including a ground-level landing with an exit door, leads to the lower basement level (photos 16, 17). The cement floor in the basement shows evidence of water that has leaked in through a crack in the foundation (photo 14). There is a large stone hearth on the south wall (photo 15), and a storage room on the north wall of the basement. A long wooden bar once stood along the east wall; however, it has since been removed. Restrooms were installed in the basement in the 1940s. Narrative Description (Describe the historic and current condition of the property on one or more continuation sheets.) Avon Isle 8. Statement of Significance

Statement of significance

Applicable National Register Criteria (Mark "x" in one or more boxes for the criteria qualifying the property for National Register listing) X A Property is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history. - B Property is associated with the lives of persons significant in our past. - C Property embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period,or method of construction or represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic values, or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components lack individual distinction. - D Property has yielded, or is likely to yield information important in prehistory or history. Criteria Considerations (Mark "X" in all the boxes that apply.) Property is: - A owned by a religious institution or used for religious purposes. _ B removed from its original location.

- C a birthplace or a grave. - D a cemetery. - E a reconstructed building, object,or structure. - F a commemorative property. -G less than 50 years of age or achieved significance within the past 50 years. Lorain County, OH Areas or signiticance (Enter categories from instructions ENTERTAINMENT/RECREATION SOCIAL HISTORY Period of Significance 1926 - 1959 Significant Dates N/A Significant Person (Complete if Criterion B is marked above) N/A Cultural Affiliation N/A Architect/Builder Roth, F. J. Narrative Statement of Significance (Explain the significance of the property on one or more continuation sheets.) 9.

The rest of the file

Bibliography, boundary description, and the people who prepared and reviewed the nomination.

Major Bibliographical References Bibliography (Cite the books, articles, and other sources used in preparing this form on one or more continuation sheets.) Previous documentation on file (NPS) L preliminary determination of individual listing (36 CFR 67) has been requested. - previously listed in the National Register - previously determined eligible by the National Register - designated a National Historic Landmark - recorded by Historic American Buildings Survey # -recorded by Historic American Engineering Record # Primary location of additional data X State Historic Preservation Office - Other State agency - Federal agency X Local government - University - OtherName of repository:_ OMB No.

1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Section number 8 Page 3 Avon Isle Lorain County, OH Narrative Statement of Significance Avon Isle is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places under Criteria A, due to its association with events that the hub for recreational and social activities for Avon and surrounding communities. In addition to its importance as a community social center, it also represents the transition from localized family and neighborhood recreational gatherings ncreased densiry in popuation and was made possible by tmproved techroligy ans architecturally intact and remains in its historic setting within Avon Isle Park. The building is important to the history and development of Avon; however, it is also significant in a broader sense.

This building represents a recreational trend that was observed in Ohio and across the nation. Historian Foster Rhea Dulles writes in A History of Recreation: America Learns To Play, that the emergence of an increasingly urban society brought about dramatic changes in recreational activities and their place in American life. According to Dulles, informal country pastimes of the early nineteenth century were no longer sufficient for the growing demand for recreation outlets caused by "indoor confinement and the monotonous routine of so much city work" (Dulles, 85.) Avon Isles embodies the characteristics that make it an excellent representation of recreational dance pavilions associated with this early to mid- twentieth century American transition. During much of the 20th century, social dancing was a major recreational and social activity.

During the peak years between the 1920s and the 1950s, there were over 150 dance halls accessible to Greater Clevelanders, not including several hundred more dance floors in hotels, nightclubs, and private halls. These included facilities extending in the east to Conneaut Lake Park, PA; in the south to Meyers Lake Park, Canton. OH; and in the west to Cedar Point Amusement Park, Sandusky, OH. Although cities such as New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles had larger facilities, Greater Cleveland became well known to musicians and bandleaders as a place to develop with a chance to move into a position of national prominence (Encyclopedia of Cleveland History website; Nesbitt 2002). Public recreational dance began to gain popularity at the turn of the century and the increase continued after the end of World War I.

It was within this social framework that Avon Isle dance hall was constructed in 1926. Avon Isle was one of hundreds of dance halls that sprang up early in the 20th century in Ohio. Naturally, many dance halls were built in proximity to newly popular amusement parks as well as established outdoor recreational locations. Some of those constructed in Ohio included the Moonlight Ballroom, built in 1926 at Myers Lake Park in Stark County (burned 1979) and Minnewawa Dance Hall at Sandy Lake Amusement at Sandy Beach Park built in ca. 1920 and razed in 1982. Larger parks also constructed dance halls, such as the one at Idora Park in Youngstown which burned in 2001 after a long period of neglect, the Colonial Ballroom at Put-In-Bay which was rebuilt after a 1988 fire and the Moonlight Gardens at Cincinnati's Coney Island Park, damaged by several floods and finally rebuilt in 1985.

Unfortunately, the decline of small, family run amusement parks which looked dated and grimy next to mega-parks popularized in the 1970s and 80s doomed many of these dance halls to neglect and subsequent demolition. While Avon Isle was contemporary to many of these dance halls, its grounds never housed permanent amusement park rides, but retained a natural park-like setting, a factor that may have contributed to its continued function and survival. Avon Isle Park is located in the City of Avon within Lorain County, Ohio. The park consists of a historic Avon Isle dance pavilion surrounded by a tree-lined meadow and the sandstone gorge of French Creek. Situated at the center of a once rural community, it was a natural gathering place for the community.

The property is historically important due to the social, recreational, and educational events that took place at the location of Avon Isle. These events made significant cultural contributions to the history of Avon and the surrounding communities. NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Section number 8 Page 4 OMB No. 1024-0018 Avon Isle Lorain County, OH Avon Isle rests on land once believed to have offered Native American Indians a secure campsite because the land was surrounded on three sides by the French Creek, leaving only one side to guard. This land may also have been a attleground during the French and Indian War (1750s).

Some 100 years later (circa 1854) during the excavation to buil a steam sawmill on a lot adjacent to the Avon Isle property, workers found French military buttons along with human remains. In order to increase the velocity of the water to the mill, a deep channel was dug next to the sawmill rendering the Avon Isle property an island. The sawmill was closed and the channel filled in, but its scar still may be detected on aerial photographs (interview with Jean Fischer, July 5, 2007). The town, which is now known as Avon, Ohio, is part of Township No. 7 of Range 16 of the Connecticut Western Reserve. Pierpont Edwards became the first proprietor of this township, along with the Bass Islands in Lake Erie, at the Connecticut Land Company draft of 1807. The town was originally settled by Wilbur Cahoon in 1814.

At that time, the Black River where it passes into Sheffield Township (the next township west of Avon) was the boundary line between Cuyahoga and Huron Counties. Township No. 7 in Range 16 was placed under the administration of Dover Township in Cuyahoga County. The first European settlers called their community Xeuma, but Cuyahoga County officials later referred to it as Troy. On October 27,1818 Township No. 7 was set off from Dover Township by the Commissioners of Cuyahoga County and organized as a separate township named Troy. When Lorain County was formed in 1824 from parts of Cuyahoga and Huron Counties, it was noted that there was another Troy Township already organized in neighboring Ashland County in addition to another community in Miami County. In order to avoid confusion in the delivery of mail, postal officials requested a name change for the Troy in Lorain County.

Thus, in December 1824, upon the petition of 40 citizens, the Commissioner of Lorain County changed the name from Troy to Avon. (Wright 1916, p. 101). Avon was settled primarily by two diverse groups of people. Early in the 19th century Protestant New Englanders were the first to arrive, followed by Bavarian Catholics in the 1840s. This religious separation prevailed for decades and even extended to the schools so that social contact between these groups was limited, a divide that continued into the post World War I era. Like many towns in the region, Avon was a farming community. In 1875, the Avon Isle grounds hosted the Avon Agricultural Fair which showcased locally raised horses, sheep, cattle, swine, and poultry as well as locally grown farm products and domestically produced textiles and handmade goods.

This typified local gatherings which served both educational and social purposes for the rural population. Farmers would gather to discuss agricultural and technical issues and at the same time socialize with friends and neighbors. Similarly, other social interactions were local affairs; families and neighbors gathered at homes to play games, share food, play music and dance. However, by the end of the 19th century the growth of industry, transportation, and communication brought significant changes to Lorain County and Avon. Farming and agriculture declined as the population transitioned to non-agricultural occupations made possible by improved transportation and developing industry.

This cultural shift resulted in the evolution of localized community dances, traditionally held in private residences, barns or schoolhouses, to more public events in spaces specifically built for recreation and dance. Nationwide, the pursuit of leisure and recreational opportunities resulted in the development of commercial and public amusement parks which often included ballrooms or dance halls. By 1905, for instance, the nearby Cedar Point amusement park advertised 12,000 square feet of polished dance floor in their newly constructed Mammoth Dance Hall, along with their other state-of-the art amenities. At the same time, the American public eagerly embraced new technology which resulted in widespread availability of the radio, phonograph and moving pictures.

These venues exposed rural America to a more diverse music and dance experience than they had previously experienced and contributed to rise of the 'Dance Craze' of the early 1900s. NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Section number 8 Page 5 OMB No. 1024-0018 Avon Isle Lorain County, OH Avon Isle provided the ideal setting, and perhaps the only local one, where young people as well as adults from the historically disparate groups that settled the community could mix, get to know each other, and begin to understand the culture of their neighbors. Although it was built during the Prohibition Era, no evidence has emerged to indicate that Avor Isle was used as a 'speakeasy' where illegal alcoholic beverages were served (interview with Jessie M.

Root, October 31 Rather, and perhaps more significantly, Avon Isle was a gathering place for area residents without regard for religious, political, or social affiliations. Music and newly popular dance forms complimented traditional square and polka dances favored by an ethnically diverse population and offered aunifying experience for the community. (Nesbitt 2002; interview with Gladys Wisnieski, October 29, 2008). In this way Avon Isle served to consolidate the social fabric of Avon and provide a neutral place to discuss issues of mutual concern in an informal setting. In the 1920s, the pavilion was used primarily for dances which were held on regularly scheduled nights, and movies were shown on other nights. The nearby cities of Elyria and Lorain had banned dancing on Sundays, so frustrated residents went to the Avon Isle to dance.

The events at Avon Isle were so popular that the bus schedule included hourly routes from nearby Lorain to accommodate the patrons. (Elyria Chronicle-Telegram. July 16, 1927) Events included dances sponsored by local organizations such as the Pioneer Club, 4-H Clubs and St. Vincent de Paul as well as music by local and regionally known big band and polka orchestras. In addition to dances, church groups or social clubs rented the hall on weekends for fund-raising, recreational events or outdoor picnics. (oral history interview with Tom Tomlin by Rhonda Newman; July 27, 2007) Avon Isle continued to provide a venue for local and regional recreation even as popular styles of dance transitioned from ragtime to jazz to big band swing.

It also continued to host events sponsored by local organizations such as the Stitch and Chatter Club's picnic, advertised in the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram on July 12, 1934 and the North Ridgeville and Avon 4-H Clubs who advertised an upcoming dance on September 14, 1938 in the same publication. The popularity of recreational dance continued, evidenced by advertisements in the local papers for as many as five competing dance hall events on the same page. (Elyria Chronicle-Telegram. October 26, 1946) When Prohibition was repealed in 1933, a bar was installed and alcoholic beverages sold in the basement of Avon Isles.

Big bands, including Guy Lombardo, played there in the 1940s According to Avon and Sheffield residents, "the Isle," as it was known, was a favorite place to go in the 1950s to enjoy square dancing (interviews with Agnes Zilka, January 16, 2002 and Gladys Wisnieski, October 29, 2008). A local couple, George and Elsie Biltz, became legends in the Avon area for the way they led the lively square dances. For 18 years, George played the fiddle while Elsie pounded away on the piano. Elsie's piano remained at Avon Isle until the early 1990s, and a set of drums from "the Isle" is still on display in an Avon antique shop (interviews with Jack Moir, October 30. 2008 and Gladys Wisnieski, October 29, 2008).

Agnes Ziika recalled, "on Saturdays and Sundays, if you didn't get there early, you'd be lucky if you got in there." She remembered that one night a patron complained about being tired from all of the dancing. When she suggested that he sit out a dance, he replied, "yeah, but when you start the music, I can't keep my feet still anymore."Gladys Wisnieski recalls taking the South Lorain to Cleveland bus with her sister Maggie to Avon Isle dances in the 1940s. They boarded the bus at the corner of Abbe and French Creek Roads for the 15-minute ride to Avon Isle for a fare of 10 cents. Gladys remembers laughing and dancing all night long with the Avon boys, but they had to be sure to catch the last bus home when the dance hall closed at 1 a.m. The Avon Fire Department held their festivals on the grounds of the Isle in the late 1940s and the early 1950s.

Carnivals, complete with "kiddie" rides, were held there in the 1950s for children of all ages. By the 1960s the dances had stopped, however, the grounds and building were still very much a part of the community. In 1964, Avon was 150 years old and Avon Isle was headquarters for the city's Sesquicentennial celebration. One resident remembered the celebration was held over a long weekend and likened the event to a festival,"there were a lot of organizations...they had booths...they sold food....and they had a beard growing contest...and anyone that was clean-shaven they locked them up...they had a NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Section number & Page 6 OMB No. 1024-0018 Avon Isle Lorain County, OH little jail over there...

you had to donate to charity...they were ahead of their time" (interview with Tom Tomlin, July 26, 2007). In the 1970s, amateur and professional boxing matches, such as Golden Gloves, were held at Avon Isle. Avon's Mayor, Jim Smith, participated in many amateur boxing matches at Avon Isle during that period of time. He was called the "clipper kid" which was a reference to his work as a barber (interview with James Smith, July 23, 2007). Mayor Smith recalls that there would be up to 15 fights in one night, including a main event match. Some fights were between neighbors and residents of the city who had an argument or problem with each other.

Mayor Smith says, "The place was packed by the end of the night because everyone wanted to see who was going to win." Throughout the 1970s, Avon Isle was also used for wedding receptions, picnics, clambakes, bingo, and quilting parties (interviews with Betty Blair, July 25, 2007 and Jean Ackerman, July 20,2007). "It was always a community meeting place in one way or another" says Avon resident Jean Fischer. Since the 1980's the building had been used as offices for the parks and recreation department, yoga classes, and pom- pom team practice. Currently, the building is vacant and not in use. Avon Isle is an increasingly rare example of a community dance hall and pavilion. This building is worthy of protection and efforts are underway to restore and to ensure that the area remains a central location for community activities, as it has for decades.

Although no definite plan has been formulated, the City of Avon would like to restore the building for use as a community center; the grounds could be used as an outdoor family entertainment area. The City of Avon has recently received $50,000 in funding from the State to be matched by $50,000 in local funds to replace the one-lane access bridge to Avon Isle Park. Avon Mayor Jim Smith recently stated, "With a building this size, anything is possible. The possibilities are limitless with this place. The building does need a lot of work and repairs, but the memories are still intact from the times that I went there. We want to create our own new set of memories now." As noted by Stephen C.

Gordon, former Survey and National Register Manager for the Ohio Historic Preservation Office in his letter to Ralph White of the Avon Historical Society on January 6, 2006, "After carefully considering the information [supplied by the Avon Historical Society] we believe the property has merit for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. The property appears to meet National Register Criterion A...

built in 1926, is an intact and increasingly rare example of a community dance hall and dance pavilion."Therefore, the Avon Historical Society is pleased to nominate Avon Isle for the National Register of Historic Places based on Criteria A: "properties can be eligible for nomination by being associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history." The Avon Isle is clearly associated with the broad pattern of social development in the City of Avon. The historic importance of Avon Isle has been recognized by two local organizations. In 2003, by a referendum vote, the citizens of the City of Avon established a Landmarks Preservation Commission charged with conducting a survey to properties on the Avon Landmark Register. A bronze plaque was presented by the Commission to the City of Avon in 2005.

In 2006, the Lorain County Historical Society's Preservation Network and the Lorain County Commissioners developed a Historic Landmark Program to identify historic sites and structures in the County. At the Lorain County Commissioners' meeting on November 16, 2006, Avon Isle was recognized as one of seven sites to initiate the program and was awarded a bronze plaque to be displayed in the structure. OWNERSHIP HISTORY: All of Avon Township (Township 7, Range 16 of the Connecticut Western Reserve) was owned by Pierpont Edwards. He purchased it from the Connecticut Land Company, circa 1814. The Avon Isle grounds passed through several owners before F. J. and Anna Roth bought it in 1924. In 1926, they improved the setting by building the dance pavilion.

They United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Section number 8 Page ] OMB No. 1024-0018 Avon Isle Lorain County, OH Avon Isle 10. Geographical Data Acreage of Property 1.86 acres UTM References (Place additional UTM references on a continuation sheet) Zone Easting Northing 1 17 413443 4589209 2 Lorain County, OH Zone Easting Northing 3 4 - See continuation sheet. Verbal Boundary Description (Describe the boundaries of the property on a continuation sheet.) Boundary Justification (Explain why the boundaries were selected on a continuation sheet.) 11. Form Prepared By nameltitle organization Ralph D. White, Charles E. Herdendorf, & Ricki C.

Herdendorf date November 6, 2008 street & number Avon Historical Society, 36715 Lakeland Drive telephone 440-934-7720 city or town Avon _ state Ohio zip code 44011 Additional Documentation Submit the following items with the completed form: Continuation Sheets Maps A USGS map (7.5 or 15 minute series) indicating the property's location. A Sketch map for historic districts and properties having large acreage or numerous resources. Photographs Representative black and white photographs of the property.

Additional items (Check with the SHPO or FPO for any additional items) Property Owner (Complete this item at the request of the SHPO or FPO.) name City of Avon street & number 36080 Chester Road telephone 440-937-7800 city or town Avon state Ohio zip code 44011 Paperwork Reduction Act Statement: This information is being collected for applications to the National Register of Historic Places to nominate properties for listing or determine eligibility for listing, to list properties, and to amend existing listings. Response to this request is required to obtain a benefit in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended (16 U.S.C. 470 et seq.).

Estimated Burden Statement: Public reporting burden for this form is estimated to average 18.1 hours per response including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining data, and completing and reviewing the form. Direct comments regarding this burden estimate or any aspect of this form to the Chief, Administrative Services Division, National Park Service, P.O. Box 37127, Washington, DC 20013-7127; and the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reductions Project (1024-0018), Washington, DC 20503. NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Section number 10 Page 8 OMB No. 1024-0018 Avon Isle Lorain County, OH Bibliography PRINTED MATERIALS: Blumenson, John J.-G. Identifying American Architecture: A Pictorial Guide to Styles and Terms 1600-1945. New York: W.W.

Norton & Company, 1981. Dulles, Foster Rhea. A History of Recreation: America Learns to Play. New York: Appleton Century-Crofts, 1965. Elyria Chronicle-Telegram Gordon, Stephen C. How to Complete the Ohio Historic Inventory. Columbus, OH: Ohio Historic Preservation Office, Herdendorf, Charles E., Ralph D. White, and Thomas Hoerrle. Proposal to Establish a North Ridge Scenic Byway for Lorain County, Ohio. Sheffield Village, OH: Sheffield Village Historical Society and Avon Historical Society, 2005. [available http//www.ohiobyway.com] Kitchen, Judith L. Old-Building Owner's Manual. Columbus, OH: Ohio Historic Preservation Office, 1983. Lake, D. J. Atlas of Lorain County Ohio. Philadelphia: Titus Simmons & Titus, 1874. [available Elyria, Ohio Public Library] McAlester, Virginia and Lee McAlester. A Field Guide to American Houses. New York : Alfred A. Knopf, 1997. McKee, Harley J.

Recording Historic Buildings. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Interior, National Park Service, 1970 McQuillin, Steve. Preserving Our Past. Elyria, OH: Lorain County Regional Planning Commission, 1977. Nesbitt, Burton J. Big Bands on the Lakefront: Crystal Beach, Cedar Point, Elberta Beach, Ruggles Beach, and Other Spots. Amherst, OH: B.J. Nesbitt, 2002. [available Lorain, Ohio Public Library] Public Dance Hall Commission, publisher. Story of Public Dance Halls; Public Dance Halls Investigation and Ordinance. Cleveland. 1911.

WEBSITES: Wikipedia, Avon, Ohio History, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avon,_Ohio [November 2, 2008] Avon Historical Society, The Avon Isle Park, Avon, Ohio, http://www.avonhistory.org/jean/isle.htm [November 2, 2008] The Encyclopedia of Cleveland History, Dance Halls and Selected List of Dance Halls and Ballrooms in Cuyahoga County as of 1986, http://ech.case.edu/ech-cgi/article.pl?id=DH1 and http://ech.cwru.edu/Resource/text/SLODHABICC.html[November 2,2008] Vermilion-on-the-Lake Historic Community Center, Vermilion-on-the-Lake Clubhouse History, http://www.volohio.org/history.htm [November 2, 2008] NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Section number 10 Page 9 OMB No.

1024-0018 Avon Isle Lorain County, OH Lorain County, Ohio, Auditor, Real Estate Records, Lorain County Internet Maps and Real Estate Summary, Parcel 04- 00-010-113-61, 37080 Detroit Road, Avon, OH, http://www.loraincounty.com/auditor/logged-in/maps/and http://www.loraincounty.com/auditor/summary/results[November2, 2008] Bibliography (Continued) INTERVIEWS: January 16, 2002. Interviewer: Catherine Gilfether, Cleveland Plain Dealer, reporter; Interviewee: Agnes Zilka, 77 year- old, long-time Avon resident who frequented Avon Isle in the 1920s and 1930s [feature article, Cleveland Plain Dealer January 16, 2002] July 5, 2007. Interviewer: Ralph White; Interviewee: Jean Fischer, Historian for the Avon Historical Society. [transcript available Avon Historical Society, 36715 Lakeland Drive, Avon, OH 44011] July 20, 2007.

Interviewer: Rhonda Newman; Interviewee: Jean Ackerman, 73 year-old, life-long resident of Sheffield Village, Ohio resident. [transcript available Avon Historical Society, 36715 Lakeland Drive, Avon, OH 44011] July 23, 2007. Interviewer: Rhonda Newman; Interviewee: James Smith, Mayor, City of Avon, Ohio. [transcript available Avon Historical Society, 36715 Lakeland Drive, Avon, OH 44011] July 25, 2007. Interviewer: Rhonda Newman; Interviewee: Betty Blair, Lorain County Commissioner. [transcript available Avon Historical Society, 36715 Lakeland Drive, Avon, OH 44011] July 26, 2007. Interviewer: Rhonda Newman; Interviewee: Tom Tomlin, Avon resident. [transcript available Avon Historical Society, 36715 Lakeland Drive, Avon, OH 44011] July 27, 2007 and October 31, 2008. Interviewers: Rhonda Newman and Charles E. Herdendorf; Interviewee: Jessie M.

Root, 95 year-old, long-time Avon resident, 39017 Detroit Road, Avon, OH 44011. [transcript available Sheffield Village Historical Society, 4944 Detroit Road, Sheffield Village, OH 44035] October 29, 2008. Interviewer: Charles E. Herdendorf; Interviewee: Gladys (Jungbluth) Wisnieski, 80 year-old, long-time Sheffield Village resident who frequented Avon Isle in the 1940s, 3935 East River Road, Sheffield Village, OH 44054. [transcript available Sheffield Village Historical Society, 4944 Detroit Road, Sheffield Village, OH 44035] October 30, 2008. Interviewer: Charles E. Herdendorf; Interviewee: Jack Moir, former owner of Avon Isle, Avon Lake, OH 44012. [transcript available Sheffield Village Historical Society, 4944 Detroit Road, Sheffield Village, OH 44035] November 1, 2008. Interviewer: Charles E. Herdendorf; Interviewee: Burton J.

Nesbitt, author, histories of Lorain County dance bands, 165 Butternut Drive, Amherst, OH 44001. [transcript available Sheffield Village Historical Society, 4944 Detroit Road, Sheffield Village, OH 44035] This nomination was researched and prepared by Ralph D. White of the Avon Historical Society and Charles E. and Ricki C. Herdendorf of the Sheffield Village Historical Society. The following individuals are acknowledged for their assistance in this process - Marilyn Fedelchak-Harley, coordinator of the Lorain County Preservation Network; Rhonda Newman, intern with the Avon Historical Society; Joe Richvalsky, member Avon Historical Society and Avon Landmarks Presevation Commission; Taylor J. Smith, President, Avon Historical Society ; Christine White, member Avon Historical Society; and Linda Cory. NPS Form 10-900 (Rev.

10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Section number 10 Page 10 OMB No. 1024-0018 Avon Isle Lorain County, OH Verbal Boundary Description Parcel ID # 0400010113061 Boundary Justification The boundary of this parcel includes all land historically associated with this property. NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Section number Photo List Page 11 OMB No. 1024-0018 Avon Isle Lorain County, OH Photographs Photographer : Kevin H. Ziegman and Ralph D. White Oate : March 22, 2008 and June 26, 2007, respectively.

Although the photographs were taken more than two years earlie han the date of this nomination, they accurately reflect the current appearance of the building Negatives : Avon Historical Society, 36715 Lakeland Drive, Avon, Ohio 44044 1. Exterior west and south side of land and building 2. Exterior south side 3. Exterior west front side with pillar porch 4. Exterior east back side (seen through winter trees) 5. Exterior north side with exit door 6. Exterior south side of the property (bridge and flowing stream around south/east sides) 7. Exterior east back side (side shed, basement door and brick chimney) 8. Exterior east back side (basement door and cleaning chimney hole) 9. Exterior south side entrance door (with house number) 10. Exterior west front steps (with blocks holding up porch) 11. Interior first floor rear east wall 12.

Interior first floor north side (exit door) 13 Interior first floor south side 14. Interior downstairs basement (from south stairs) 15. Interior downstairs basement south side (white block fireplace) 16. Interior south side stairs to side entrance and downstairs basement 17. Interior south side stairs (wood stair with pipe railing) RRPes.10010-00 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Section number Additional Documentation Page 12 OMB No.

1024-0018 Avon Isle Lorain County, OH Sketch of Avon Isle Dance Pavilion Floor Plans /DOOR Afie yood Reat Rooma Basement First Floor Basement ploor N E I/000R Barement entrance PORCH uppn tenel povie floor Aron Isle, Lorain County, Oluo unuled pore DOOR STAGE FRONT DOORS ,ROOR 4TIL TEXIT DO0R DANCE FLOOR STAIRS TO BASEMENT Iwindowe Level DANCE FLOOR upper level -wendows KPey.100 10-200 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET OMB No. 1024-0018 Section number Additional Documentation Page 13 Avon Isle Lorain County, OH Avon Isle, Lorain County, Ohio Parcel #0400010113061.

1.86 Acres Lorain County Auditor Website: http://www.loraincountyauditor.com/auditormap/default.aspx?PIN=0400010113061 089 -102 2.64 -025 67 037 54 030 24 -029 go' 55.11 49.50 -031 18 3ª -061 1.86 1216 001 285.12 .75 122 032 81 038 47 -012 018 019 099 1 002 -029 002 .16 034 039.21 0,20 018 / 2°2 -015 *10 4% CITY OFAVON 36080 CHESTER ROAD - AVON, OHIO 44011-1099 - (440) 937-7800 - FAX (440) 937-7824 November 21, 2005 Ms. Fedelchak-Harley Lorain County Preservation Network 509 Washington Avenue Elyria, OH 44035 Dear Ms. Fedelchak-Harley: On behalf of the citizens of the City of Avon, I would like to request that the Avon Isle be designated as an historical landmark. Information in the enclosed application details the significance of the history of this building. Avon Isle was a focal point for social activities for 80+ years.

It served as a gathering place to socialize and share a spirit of comraderie, not only for the residents of Avon, but also for people of all ages from Lorain and Cuyahoga Counties. I believe the significance of this site should allow its designation as an historical landmark. I wish to thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely, femeo smi imeoa.Ani Mayor, City of Avon JAS/skm UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES EVALUATION/RETURN SHEET REQUESTED ACTION: NOMINATION PROPERTY Avon Isle NAME: MULTIPLE NAME: STATE & COUNTY: OHIO, Lorain DATE RECEIVED: 5/27/10 DATE OF 16TH DAY: 7/08/10 DATE OF WEEKLY LIST: REFERENCE NUMBER: 10000456 DATE OF PENDING LIST: 6/23/10 DATE OF 45TH DAY: 7/11/10 REASONS FOR REVIEW: APPEAL: N DATA PROBLEM: N LANDSCAPE: N LESS THAN 50 YEARS: PERIOD: PROGRAM UNAPPROVED: REQUEST: N SAMPLE: N SLR DRAFT: NATIONAL: COMMENT WAIVER: N LACCEPT RETURN ABSTRACT/SUMMARY COMMENTS : REJECT 7.8.10 DATE Entered in The National Register Historic Places RECOM./CRITERIA REVIEWER DISCIPLINE TELEPHONE DATE DOCUMENTATION see attached comments Y/N see attached SLR Y/N If a nomination is returned to the nominating authority, the nomination is no longer under consideration by the NPS.

#/ Avon Isle, LoRaInCo.OHiO #2 Avon ISLE, Lorain Co. OH #3 Avon Isle, Lorain co. OH #4 AvonIsle horain Co. OH #5 Avon Isle, Lorain Co., OH #6 Avon Isle, Lorain Co., OH. #1 Avon Isle, Lorain Co.,OH #8 Avon Isle, LoRain Co., OH. # 9 Avon Isle, Lorain Co. OH. #10 Avon Isle, Lorain Co., OH. 10 6 26 20, # 11 Avon Isle, Loram Co., OH. '07 6 #12 Avon Islc, Lorain Co., OH. 92 9 20. #13 Avon Isle, Lorain Co., OH. 26 20. iOIHO RECYCLE, #14 Avon Isle, LoRainCo., OH. 14 REC *07 6 26 #15 Avon Isle, Loraun Co., OH 929 20. #Il Avon Isle, Lorain Co., OH G #17 Avon Isle, Lorain Co., 01 OHIO HISTORY RECEIVED 2280 MAY 2 7 2010 NAT. REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES NATIONAL PARK SERVICE May 24, 2010 Ms. Carol D. Shull, Keeper of the National Register National Park Service National Register of Historic Places 1201 Eye Street, NW (2280) Washington DC 20005 Dear Ms.

Shull: Enclosed please find four (4) new National Register nominations for Ohio. All appropriate notification procedures have been followed for these new submissions. NEW NOMINATION Wintzer, Charles Building East North Broadway Historic District Avon Isle Bellville Cemetery Chapel COUNTY Auglaize Franklin Lorain Richland If you have questions or comments about these documents, please contact the National Register staff in the Ohio Historic Preservation Office at (614) 298-2000. Sincerely, Bartan tome- Burt Logan Executive Director and CEO State Historic Preservation Officer Enclosures OHIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY Ohio Historic Preservation Office 1982 Velma Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43211-2497 ph: 614.298.2000 fx: 614.298.2037 www.ohiohistory.org