ARTIFACTS: Articles from the Lakewood Historical Society

1874 Rockport Township Business Directory

Just how far out in the boonies was Rockport in 1874? Not too far. People living in East Rockport (Lakewood) had relatively easy access to a wide variety of stores and businesses to suit their needs. East Rockport had a number of nurseries and fruit farms, busnesses dealing with construction and business that offered a variety of entertainments. Below is the 1874 business directory listed on a map of Rockport Township. Like all business directories, it is not a complete list, but simply those businesses willing to pay for the advertising space!

• Lewis Nicholson & Co., Proprietors of Lake Erie Nursery, grow every variety of fruit and ornamental trees, grapevines, shrubs, evergreens, &c. In their greenhouses are kept a complete stock of flowering and hothouse plants. Flowers furnished for parties, weddings, &c, at all times. East Rockport.
• Wm. Sixt, propr. Of Sherman House. A fine hall for the accommodation of balls, parties, &c, in connection with the house.
• C. W. Ranney, fruit grower. Every variety of small fruit in abundance during the season. East Rockport.
• Wm. Maile, propr. Of brick kiln and drain tile works, keeps constantly on hand every size of tile at bottom prices. East Rockport.
• G.F. Krauss, propr. Of restaurant; also, extensive grounds and buildings in connection for picnics, excursions, &c. cor. Elm and Detroit St. near Rocky River
• M.C. Hall, grower of fruit and vegetables; also, plants for sale in season, every variety; East Rockport.
• J.A. Parsons, contractor and builder. East Rockport
• G. A. Bebee, propr. Of Rocky River Nursery, grows and has for sale every variety of fruit and ornamental trees, grapevines, evergreens, hedge plants, roses, and flowering shrubs. East Rockport.
• Beech Grove, the most romantic picnic grounds, at Rocky River, close to the Lake. Dining hall, confectionery, bowling alley, shooting gallery, bath-houses, flying swings, &c in connection. John N. Knoll, proprietor.
• Williams Brothers, proprs. Of the Rocky River Boat House. Steam yacht, sail and row boats to let. Picnics, fishing parties &c. supplies at all times. Rocky River.
• O.P. Stafford, dealer in flour, feed, groceries, provisions, and notions generally. Rocky River.
• D. Webb, butcher, runs a wagon. Meat delivered to any part of town free of charge. Also, fruit and vegetable dealer. East Rockport.
• Frederick Minut, Proprietor of Hotel, one mile south of Lorain St. Plank Road, large hall on second floor, fitted especially for accommodation of balls, parties, concerts, &c.
• J. W. Williams, Stock Dealer; also, furnishes milk to hotels & families.
• Peter Smidt, propr. Of grocery and dealer in flour, feed and general groceries; also, a fine hall in connection for balls, parties &c, settlement road at C.C.C. & St. L. R.R.
• Andrew Kyle, Postmaster and Justice of the Peace, Rockport.
• George G. Mulhern, Superintendent of Rocky River Railroad, office at Murch House.
• C. R. Jordan, milk dealer. Pure milk at wholesale. Rockport.
• H.A. Mastick, postal clerk of L.S. and M.S.R.R., P.O. Rockport.
• D.W. Hogan, Agent for Singer Sewing Machine; P.O. Rockport
• J. W. and F. J. Spencer, Proprs of brick and drain tile works. Every size of tile on hand at rates to suit the times.
• Andrew Worshing, propr. Of steam sawmill. Lumber for sale of all kinds. Custom sawing done to order.
• J.P. Kirtland, M.D., LL.D., Rockport
• A. N. Clark, real estate dealer and breeder of fine blooded horses.

Mazie Adams
Lakewood Historical Society Newsletter 9/2000