| Lakeside, Ohio | |
| Settlement Type: | Unincorporated community |
| Image Blank Emblem: | Logo of Lakeside, Ohio.svg |
| Blank Emblem Type: | Logo |
| Mapsize: | 250px |
| Subdivision Type: | Country |
| Subdivision Name: | United States |
| Subdivision Type1: | State |
| Subdivision Name1: | Ohio |
| Subdivision Type2: | County |
| Subdivision Type3: | Township |
| Subdivision Name3: | Danbury |
| Unit Pref: | Imperial |
| Area Footnotes: | [1] |
| Area Total Km2: | 1.78 |
| Area Land Km2: | 1.78 |
| Area Water Km2: | 0.00 |
| Area Total Sq Mi: | 0.69 |
| Area Land Sq Mi: | 0.69 |
| Area Water Sq Mi: | 0.00 |
| Population As Of: | 2020 |
| Population Total: | 668 |
| Population Density Km2: | 374.83 |
| Population Density Sq Mi: | 970.93 |
| Timezone: | Eastern (EST) |
| Utc Offset: | -5 |
| Timezone Dst: | EDT |
| Utc Offset Dst: | -4 |
| Elevation Ft: | 607 |
| Coordinates: | 41.5417°N -82.7519°W |
| Postal Code Type: | ZIP codes |
| Postal Code: | 43440 |
| Blank Name: | FIPS code |
| Blank Info: | 39-41552 |
| Blank1 Name: | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 Info: | 2628923 |
Lakeside is a private community and census-designated place in Danbury Township, Ottawa County, Ohio, United States, on the shores of Lake Erie. It was formed in 1873 by members of the Methodist Church and remains a church-affiliated vacation resort and United Methodist Annual Conference site. It is one of only a few continuously operating Independent Chautauquas that persist in the 21st century. Located just west of the village of Marblehead, the community is approximately one square mile in size. The entire community is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Lakeside Historic District.
As an unincorporated community, Lakeside is governed by the Lakeside Association, a company whose CEO is the de facto leader of the community. Its current CEO is Charles Allen.[2]
Lakeside was established under the jurisdiction of the Central Ohio Conference of the UMC in August 1873. It was first founded as a tented revivalist camp, where it served as a hub for Methodist teachings. Meanwhile, the Chautauqua movement began to gain popularity. Lakeside soon thereafter became a Chautauqua, allowing its popularity to pick up over time and gain popularity with other denominations. The first permanent building was erected somewhere near the Hoover Auditorium, with the first residential cottages being built at the shores of Lake Erie. Despite this increase in popularity and permanent habitation, the bulk of services had yet to be provided until 1875, when the first part of Hotel Lakeside was built.[3] [4]
The first residential buildings were cottages, which were sold out on plots of land with renewable 99 year leases. Over the years, residents built cottages and houses on their plots. Most cottages are in the Victorian style, although different styles are present throughout. Restaurants and shops also opened around the downtown park of Lakeside.[5] The Lakeside Association eventually purchased additional land on the eastern side, enabling the community to grow. Recreation facilities, meeting halls, places of worship, and parks have been added over the years. The Lakeside Association is responsible for the upkeep of all roads and public services within Lakeside.[6] Lakeside has had its own symphony orchestra since its founding in 1963 with its current conductor, Daniel Meyer.[7] [8] One of its most famous activities is shuffleboard, with its courts hosting lots of national tournaments throughout its history.[9]
Lakeside contains many well-preserved historic buildings. Many are in their original Victorian style. The Lakeside Association owns and operates a number of large assembly buildings:
Places of worship:
Because Lakeside has historically been a summer vacation destination with few year-round residents, the listed here made at least one stop to Lakeside during their lifetime. One person who still spends many summers here is Steve Hartman.[14] Famous people who have been to Lakeside & Hoover Auditorium are the likes of:[15]