Lorain Historical Society Black History Project focuses on On-Erie Beach – Morning Journal

Lorain Historical Society project coordinator Janeya Hisle said that especially when it comes to Black history, much of the city’s heritage lies firmly under its surface.Lorain Historical Society shares first look into Black History Project The group has taken a three-pronged approach to their historical research, Hisle said."It's just a group of folks around the community that have an interest in history and doing research," Hisle said of the Historical Society's community research team." The team's current topic of fascination, Hisle said, is beachfront property known as "On-Erie Beach," a prominent piece of land from the 1920s through the 1940s.

"It was owned by a shareholding company that was founded by African Americans," Hisle said." In addition to holiday celebrations and company picnics, Hisle said that On-Erie Beach was home to beachside cottages and vacation homes for people coming to Lorain during its heyday.