One of Lakewood’s most interesting neighborhoods, Birdtown, is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The city administration is to be commended for nominating this wonderful neighborhood and submitting a successful application.

Created by the National Carbon Company to house its workers, the Birdtown neighborhood originally attracted immigrants from Eastern Europe. These immigrants brought their traditions, food, architecture and sense of community with them to Lakewood.

The National Register of Historic Places is the nation’s official list of cultural resources worthy of preservation. As a part of the National Register, a district or property is given: recognition as a historic site, eligibility of property owners for federal tax benefits and consideration in planning for federal and federally-assisted projects. Birdtown residents can take great pride in their neighborhood’s history.

The Historical Society will celebrate this important achievement at its Vintages for Vintage Homes Wine Tasting on Thursday, July 26. Special guests will include Mayor George, Assistant Planner Meredith Karger (author of the application), other members of the city administration and three Birdtown residents who were instrumental in this project: Helen Pohorence, Rose Slavik and Marge Stopiak. The event will also feature a Birdtown documentary created by second and third grade students from Grant Elementary School. The students and their teacher will be on hand to share their knowledge of Birdtown.

Vintages for Vintage Homes is the kick-off event for the Lakewood Preservation Fund. The Fund enables the Society to react to specific, local preservation issues, such as saving the Mathew Hall house from demolition. Proceeds from the wine tasting and other contributions will be applied to the $30,000 cost of moving the Hall house to a safe location.

Please join us at this wonderful preservation event on Thursday, July 26, from 6-9 p.m. RSVP to 216-221-7343 or lakewoodhistory@bge.net.