Elyria, OH

Just seven miles away from Lake Erie in northern Ohio, situated between the cities of Sandusky and Cleveland, Elyria has a lot to offer its approximately 56,000 residents. The city was founded in 1817, and its downtown area has been recognized by the National Register of Historic Places. The city is actively engaged in cherishing its past while building for the future, as shown by plans to restore the original 1867 Town Hall, along with its classic upper-floor Opera House, to serve as part of its new municipal complex. Although Elyria faces the same economic challenges as much of the nation, new projects are being developed, including a "green" building upgrade for the city's century-old newspaper, The Chronicle Telegram. Elyria is one of the communities accepted into the Ohio Main Street Program.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

Retail is one economic driver for the city. Elyria's Midway Mall, which opened in 1967, is one of the largest shopping malls in the country, and is the main shopping center in the area. At the same time, a diverse business profile, including light industry, has helped to maintain the city's economy. Major Elyria employers include Invacare Corp., Ridge Tool Co., Diamond Products Inc., Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems and Elyria Manufacturing Corp.

The two leading industries in Mount Vernon are educational, health and social services, and finance and manufacturing. Elyria has an unemployment rate of 5.1 percent.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

The city of Elyria has an all-urban population of more than 55,000. Neighborhoods and districts of Elyria accommodate around 24,000 houses, out of which more than 22,000 are occupied. Of the occupied houses, more than 60 percent are owner-occupied. The median home price in Elyria is slightly lower than the statewide median.

Elyria offers its residents a variety of living options. A resident can choose from a modern apartment or a home in historic architecture. The residents and visitors of Elyria will need a car or some other mode of transport as restaurants, bars and coffee shops are scattered throughout the city.

Historic Downtown Elyria boasts 112 buildings with 126 businesses, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Main Street Elyria, a non-profit organization, promotes revitalization and hopes to enhance the economic development, marketing and planning of the downtown business district.

FOR VISITORS

Visitors can enjoy learning more about this region and its contributions to American history at the following sites:

• Commemorative Air Force Cleveland Wing: Dedicated to the preservation of World War II aviation, the hangar offers rides in authentic military airplanes.
• Lorain County Historical Society: This nonprofit educational organization takes pride in the history of Elyria. The Historical Society has not only collected artifacts to preserve Elyria's past, but has also been instrumental in saving historic sites from being torn down around the city.
• Monteith Hall: Monteith was once the home of abolitionist Rev. John Monteith, who transformed his home into a stop on the famous Underground Railroad. Today the building is operated by the Elyria Woman's Club.

FAMILY FUN

Elyria residents enjoy recreational opportunities on the waters of Lake Erie, as well as in the city's own park system, which includes:

• Cascade Park/Elywoods: Set on approximately 135 acres, this park features a concession stand, a nature center/meeting area, sledding hill, hiking trails, playground equipment and shelter houses.
• West Park C.R. Hoagland West Recreation Center: This park features a recreation center, outdoor swimming pool, skate park, softball fields, basketball courts and a shelter house.
• Hilltop Park: Set on approximately 25 acres, this public space offers a softball field, basketball courts, playground equipment, shelter houses and a tennis court.
• North Park Sports Complex: This popular area includes baseball and softball fields, outdoor swimming pool, ice skating rink and playground equipment.
• Finwood Estate/Forest: This wooded land features a 1929 Tudor-style estate, a shelter house, a meeting facility and nature trails.

EVENTS

The Annual Elyria Apple Festival began in 1980 and has been a hit ever since. Apple growers bring out their best products, including ciders and pies. The main goal of the celebration is to gather the community together and show pride in Elyria. The proceeds all go back to city improvements and enrichment programs.

GETTING AROUND

• Lorain County Regional Airport
• Lorain County Transit
• Elyria Amtrak Station

FUN FACTS

• In 1921, Elyria became the first inland city to draw water from nearby Lake Erie.
• Arthur L. Garford, an Elyria industrialist, created the first padded bicycle seat.
• The national Easter Seal Society was founded in 1919 by Elyrian Edgar F. Allen.
• Author Sherwood Anderson lived in Elyria from 1906 to 1913, and is thought to have derived inspiration from the town for his classic novel, "Winesburg, Ohio."
• One of the first "electrified" fountains in the country graced Ely Square.