New Book Celebrates the History of Portage Lakes

Dec. 21, 2011 - PRLog -- New from Arcadia Publishing’s Images of America series is Portage Lakes by local author Carolyn Vogenitz. This pictorial history boasts more than 200 vintage images, giving readers a unique opportunity to reconnect with the history that shaped their community.

Portage Lakes is a unique area that lies within the boundaries of Coventry Township and the cities of Green and New Franklin. Within the last century, the communities have gradually moved from agrarian in nature to those of classical developing suburbs.

Portage Lakes is rich in history that connects it to the Ohio Erie and Pennsylvania/Ohio Canals, Delaware Indians, Portage Path, the Ohio Department of Parks and Recreation, Portage Lakes State Park, Connecticut land grants, the Western Reserve, Prohibition, coal mining, and water-sport recreation. Although Portage Lakes does not have identified political boundaries, its own local government, school district, or residents in the area often remark that they live in Portage Lakes.

Images within this book will awaken the reader to stories and tales from the past. Chief Hopocan’s village on Nesmith Lake, fires that destroyed ancient structures, the Sandy Beach Amusement Park, Cormany’s Landing, Kepler’s Hotel, and Young’s Restaurant were all attractions that drew visitors to the area. Classic and antique boat shows, boat races, sailing clubs, and Fourth of July fireworks are historically intertwined in the history of Portage Lakes.

Available at area bookstores, independent retailers, and online retailers, or through Arcadia Publishing at (888)-313-2665 or www.arcadiapublishing.com.

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With more than 7,500 local history titles published to date, Arcadia Publishing is the leading publisher of local and regional history in the United States. Widely recognized sepia books feature hundreds of vintage historical images.