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

Articles have appeared in the Lakewood Historical Society Newsletter.