Despite the best efforts of the Lakewood Historical Society and many others, the Mathew Hall House was demolished on December 27, 2007. Built in 1870, the Hall House was one of the last remaining links to the early settler history of our community.

For many months, the Lakewood Historical Society spent countless hours working with members of City Council , the City Administration, Hall family descendents and the current owner to devise a plan to move the house to a safer location. A site was identified and estimates for moving and restoration were gathered. The Society's fundraising efforts and many generous donations to the Lakewood Preservation Fund (established in 2007) raised more than half the cost of moving the house, but time ran out. By the time the Society learned that a demolition permit had been requested and issued on December 27th, the Hall House was already gone.

While the Mathew Hall House could not be saved, the Lakewood Historical Society is committed to continuing its preservation efforts before the next important Lakewood landmark is threatened. Although the Lakewood Preservation Fund was established with the intention of using it to save the Hall House, the overall purpose of the Fund is to support preservation efforts in Lakewood. (For more information on the Lakewood Preservation Fund or to donate please go to www.lakewoodhistory.org. ) We are grateful for the many contributions from those interested in maintaining our heritage, and we will continue to grow the Fund. Through the Lakewood Preservation Fund we will educate the community on preservation issues, identify and protect threatened structures, and support the preservation legislation currently being reviewed by City Council . During the past year, hundreds of Lakewood citizens expressed their concerns for the Mathew Hall house and for the architectural heritage of our community.

We must work to retain and preserve the architectural character of our community. The cumulative effect of all the buildings lost to unsympathetic new construction and parking lots over the years is staggering! We must change the attitude that gives demolition precedence over preservation.

With the help of improved local legislation, preservation and economic development can work together to maintain Lakewood ’s unique attributes in a beautiful, viable and healthy community. We will keep you apprised of the status of the legislation as it goes before City Council . Please join our efforts to keep Lakewood special!