Meg Colwell, Principal of Puritas Community Elementary School, holds a copy of “Historic West Park” a coloring/activity book.  These books were donated at the start of the school year to one grade in every West Park elementary school.

The books feature word games and sketches of various historic West Park places and buildings suitable for coloring.

Each recipient was encouraged to learn the history of their own family through family photo albums and discussions with their parents and grandparents.

It is our hope that we’ve stimulated some youngsters to embrace a love of history, starting with the very neighborhood where they attend school.

This project was funded by a grant from Neighborhood Connections, an affiliate of the Cleveland Foundation and the Ohio Arts Council.

The West Park Historical Society proudly announces the dedication of the new Puritas Springs Park ~ Ohio Historical Marker!

A large gathering assembled under the shade trees at the Parkridge Apartments on the corner of Puritas and W. 194th  just a few steps away from the new Puritas Springs Park ~ Ohio Historical Marker.

Pictured, left to right:

Mark Sundlov, local history office manager of the Ohio History Connection; Christine Rafalke, Elaine Staley and Ellie Mapson, the three West Park Historical Society Trustees who were instrumental in bringing this distinctive addition to West Park.

In 1915, John E. Gooding  purchased then developed the former picnic grounds into the amusement park that so many fondly recall.  Shown above are members of the Gooding family who were with us to help celebrate!

Thank you to all who shared the day with us! We look forward to meeting you all again at another West Park Historical Society event.

Please join us on Sunday, August 30th at 2pm. for the unveiling of the Ohio Historical Marker commemorating the

HISTORIC PURITAS SPRINGS PARK

Meet in the area of Puritas Avenue at West 194th Street ~ Please park on the side streets only.

Following the dedication we will celebrate the Ten-Year Anniversary of the West Park Historical Society

Join us for light refreshments and a video presentation

The Terrace at Big Met Grille

2:30- 5:00p

4811 Valley Parkway ~ Park in the Big Met lot across from the Metroparks Rangers building.  Follow the path and footbridge to the south

The West Park Historical Society “crew”  assembles for the start of the 2015 West Park Independence Day Parade.

Pictured from left to right: Donny, Ally, Jordan, Julieanne, Bill and Jo.

Thank you to all who greeted us with “Good Morning and Happy Fourth of July!”  It was great to see such a fabulous turnout of friends and neighbors as we celebrated the history of our nation’s independence.

Check back often to learn about upcoming events.  Next on the calendar is the long awaited unveiling of the Puritas Springs Park historic marker.  Join us on Sunday, August 30th and be a part of West Park History!  Details will be posted soon.

 Two ways to cool off on July 4th.

Peppermint Puffs and Hand Fans !

The West Park Historical Society joins the West Park Independence Day Parade this Saturday – starting at 9:30 a.m.  We will be handing out candy with a history all its own. Red Bird Peppermint Puffs have been hand crafted in the U.S.A. since 1890!

A limited number of hand fans will be distributed as well.  Keep them HANDy for those hot summer days.