People come to Lakewood for its walkability, its proximity to the lake and its easy commute to downtown. But most of all, people come to Lakewood for the charm and character of our antique houses. In the 1950s, 60s and 70s, the fashionable updates were to paint that dark old woodwork, carpet those bare floors and replace light fixtures with trendy items of the day. Today, natural woodwork, leaded glass windows & doors, and gleaming hardwood floors are as highly prized by homebuyers as they were by the original owners.

An ongoing project of the Lakewood Historical Society is the salvaging of architectural elements so they can be sold to people working to replace original features that have been eliminated over the years. Volunteer demolition crews with crowbars and screwdrivers in hand swarm through structures slated for demolition for development projects . The most recent Architectural Salvage Sale, held in conjunction with St. Luke Catholic Church on March 1, included items from St. Luke Parish House, Harding Middle School, four houses on Robinwood Avenue and two on Sloane Avenue. The Historical Society also received donations of doors, windows and light fixtures from individuals. The sale attracted hundreds of shoppers -- more than 50 were lined up when the sale opened -- who were ecstatic to find just the door or window they needed, a globe for their light fixture, a length of banister or cabinet hardware from the old Harding Middle School, even a bathroom sink. The most interesting purchase? A huge quarter-sawn oak pocket door that the buyers will use as a headboard for their king-sized bed.

While most shoppers were Lakewood residents, buyers came from as far as Aurora and Wooster. The sale raised almost $5000 for the two groups, kept valuable materials out of the landfill and provided the opportunity for the ultimate in recycling, a win-win for everyone!