Is your Westlake house over 50 years old? In today's 250th Tuesday post, we're highlighting the Westlake Historical Society Plaque Program, which allows residents to celebrate their home's place in Westlake history!
The home in this picture was built by Sylvanus Crocker, son of Jedediah and Sarah Crocker, founding members of the first church in Dover Township, now Dover Congregational Church. Crocker family descendants owned much of the land that Crocker Park is constructed on. The home still stands along Detroit Road.
For 50 years, the Westlake Historical Society has provided residents a way to honor their home or building with a plaque installed on the residence. To learn more about this opportunity, call 216-848-0680 or email westlakehistory@yahoo.com.
Residents are advised that the City’s electric aggregation program is expected to end during the residents’ June billing cycle. Residents currently participating in the program will automatically return to The Illuminating Company unless they choose another electricity supplier. Residents who wish to compare supplier options may visit PUCO’s Apples to Apples website to review available plans and rates before summer utility pricing takes effect. https://www.energychoice.ohio.gov/ApplestoApples.aspx
The PUCO's website is dedicated to consumer education regarding electric and natural gas choice in Ohio. The website was developed specifically to be the premier resource for Ohio’s energy consumers seeking information and offering comparisons regarding electric and natural gas supplier choices. The site offers information to help consumers understand electric and natural gas choice, including what steps need to be taken when switching suppliers, what their rights are as a consumer, apples-to-apples comparison charts, and a frequently asked questions page.
In our 250th Tuesday fun fact, today we recognize one of the most well-known names of Westlake's early settlers, Leonard G. Porter. He lived from 1806 to 1884 and arrived in the area of Dover at age19. Leonard married Catherine Stevens in 1838 and had one child who died in infancy. When Catherine died in 1841, he was left a widower at age 35.
He never married again, instead devoting his life to working for the betterment of the community of Dover. He was a Township Trustee, Justice of the Peace, Sunday School Superintendent, donated land for and taught at Dover Academy, and was a leader of the Dover Literary Society, which is best remembered as the originator of the public community library concept. He left $1,000 in his will: $500 to go toward a building and $500 toward purchasing new books for a library. Another fine example of a wonderful early Dover resident who helped to make Westlake what it is today!
Leonard is buried at Evergreen Cemetery and was portrayed by local historian Mel Maurer on the recent Westlake Historical Society and Porter Public Library Cemetery Tour, held April 25.
During the planning process, the Meadowood Golf Training Facility groundbreaking was incorrectly included in the recent newsletter and will not be taking place on May 16.
🌷 Westlake Planting Day is still happening as scheduled
🎉 The Recreation Center Park ribbon-cutting and grand opening is also still on
We’re looking forward to a great day celebrating these exciting community events with you!
Updates on the Meadowood groundbreaking will be shared once details are finalized. Thank you for your understanding—we hope to see you on May 16!
Congratulations to Mayor Dennis Clough, who was honored yesterday as the inaugural recipient of the Tri-C Westshore Community Engagement Award at the Westshore Community Leadership Exchange breakfast, hosted at Cuyahoga Community College's Westshore Campus.
This year marked a new chapter for the long-running event — reimagined as a ticketed fundraiser benefiting the West Shore Family YMCA, an organization whose mission centers on making membership and programs accessible to every family, regardless of means. A packed house of nearly 100 business and community leaders from across the Westshore — including Westlake, Rocky River, Bay Village, Avon, Avon Lake, and Fairview Park — gathered for the State of the College address by Dr. Michael Baston and the State of the Campus address by Dr. Scott Latiolais.
Being named the first-ever recipient of this award reflects Mayor Clough's long-standing commitment to the partnerships that make our region stronger. Thank you to Tri-C Westshore for convening the community and for spotlighting the work of the West Shore Family YMCA.
Today we are sharing a simple act of kindness from City Hall. Every year on Administrative Professionals Day, Building Department Director Don Grayem brings flowers to Darlene and Rachelle, two administrative professionals who work hard to service our residents and keep the department operations running smoothly.
Join the movement to spread kindness in our city! Follow @USofKindness and Share #USK250. To learn more, read the news release here: The City of Westlake Joins the United States of Kindness - 250 Acts of Kindness in 2026 | City Of Westlake
This Earth Day, take 2 minutes to see how Westlake shows up for the planet year-round — pollinator gardens, citywide recycling initiatives, and eco-friendly city services, all in one place.
🔗 https://earth-day-rose.vercel.app/
For more info on the Pollinator Gardens in the city - https://www.cityofwestlake.org/page/the-pollinator-project
🌎 Happy Earth Day from Westlake!
Did you know that there are six Revolutionary War Veterans buried at Evergreen Cemetery? You will now see special light pole banners displayed at the cemetery to honor each of them. They are Jedediah Crocker, Joseph Porter, Jasher Taylor, Abner Smith, Sylvanus Smith and Jonathan Smith.
There is an incredible interactive cemetery tour at Evergreen this Saturday, April 25 at 1pm, presented by the Westlake Historical Society and Porter Public Library.
Costumed characters will help share the stories of some of Westlake's first residents: Leonard Porter, Walter Clague, Leverett Johnson, May Weston and the Weston family. This is an engaging and memorable afternoon of local history.
Registration is appreciated online through Porter Public Library or in person at the library; for more information, please contact 440-861-2600 or the Westlake Historical Society 216-848-0680.
Leaf humus and wood chip deliveries will begin on April 20. Get your gardens and landscaping ready for spring with our high-quality compost.
Don’t forget, wood chips are still on sale for just $2.50 per cubic yard!
Find more information about our compost site and delivery options here:
https://www.cityofwestlake.org/o/cw/page/compost-site-leaf-humus-wood-chips
The public is invited to earn extra cash while supporting democracy. The Cuyahoga County Board of Elections is hiring poll workers for the May 5, 2026 Primary Election. Poll workers earn $220.00 for assisting voters on Election Day. Applicants may apply online at https://boe.cuyahogacounty.gov/election-day-workers or by calling 216-443-3277. No experience is necessary. Training is provided.
The people who work at the polls on election day play an important role in ensuring secure elections. Our democracy depends on poll workers who are vital for maintaining political balance, ensuring fair, secure and transparent elections.
Whether you want to run or just come enjoy pancakes with your neighbors, this event will be a great time. And check out the 2026 t-shirt design that displays our Westlake 250 logo!
To register, please click the QR code on the image below.
This rare sandstone house was built for Austin and Roxanna (Sears) Lilly. They came to Dover Township in 1832 from Ashfield, Massachusetts, an area from which many Dover settlers originated. This lot had been owned by Ozias and Hiram Smith. The Lillys erected this house around 1844 and lived here until 1867.
It is made with sandstone blocks two feet thick, finely tooled and dressed in the front and less elaborately on the sides and rear. The basement is constructed with massive rectangular stone blocks. Thick hewn timbers support the massive roof structure. A brick wing was attached to the east side around 1850 by Austin and Roxanna’s son.
One of Westlake’s seven Ohio Historical Markers historical markers is located at the front of the house.
The City of Westlake is hosting a Computer Round-Up for residents to safely and responsibly dispose of old electronics. Clear out those unused devices and help keep our community green!
What we're accepting:
- Computers (desktops, laptops, monitors)
- Tablets & E-readers
- Printers & Scanners
- Phones (cell, smart, office)
- Video game consoles
- Stereo equipment (DVD, Blu Ray, VCR, receivers, radios)
- And more! (Keyboards, mice, cables, batteries, cameras, software)
Event Details:
📅 Dates:
- April 6–10 (Mon–Fri): 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- April 11 (Sat): 7:30 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Location: Westlake Service Center, 741 Bassett Rd.
This service is for Westlake residents only. Please bring a valid ID.
For a complete list of acceptable and non-acceptable items, please visit:
https://www.cityofwestlake.org/o/cw/page/computer-household-hazardous-waste
Please plan accordingly for any city business. We will resume normal operating hours on Monday morning.
📍 Westlake City Hall
📍 Westlake Community Services Center
Wishing everyone in our community a safe and happy holiday weekend!
Storm Update & Brush Collection Info for Westlake Residents!
Our community experienced recent storms, and some areas may be experiencing power outages. FirstEnergy is working to restore power.
You can stay informed by checking their outage map and reporting outages:
🔗 FirstEnergy Outage Map: https://outages-oh.firstenergycorp.com/
⚡️ Report an outage via text: Text LIGHTS to 544487
For residents with storm-related brush and tree debris, the Westlake Service Department will be conducting brush collection. Please follow these guidelines for efficient pickup:
🌳 Brush Collection Guidelines:
Size: Bundles 4'x2' (max 50 lbs ), single branches max 4' length. Larger branches (3"+ diameter) must be cut into shorter lengths, stacked, and not exceed 50 lbs.
Placement: Place on tree-lawn, bundles parallel to curb, ends in the same direction, separated from rubbish/recycling.
When: Place on tree lawn by 6 a.m. on your regular scheduled collection day. Collection may be delayed due to volume.
Thank you for your patience as we work through storm recovery.
Johnson served as a justice of the peace, a county commissioner, a township trustee, a five-term Ohio state legislator and the director of Dover Academy. He died in 1856 and donated part of his land for Evergreen Cemetery, where he and Abigail are buried.
One of Westlake's seven Ohio Historical Markers honors Leverett Johnson and is located at Evergreen Cemetery.
It was our pleasure to host you and thank you for supporting our schools’ athletes and alumni.
We’re excited to announce that our fishing pond was stocked today with beautiful Rainbow Trout from the Castalia State Fish Hatchery! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just looking for a fun family afternoon, it’s a great time to cast a line.
A few reminders for our anglers:
🐟 All state fishing regulations apply.
🎫 A valid Ohio fishing license is required for anyone ages 16 and older.
🧒 The pond is a fantastic spot for youth to practice their skills!
Grab your gear and head over to the Rec Center pond to enjoy the spring weather. Good luck out there, Westlake!
