Elyria

Elyria is named for Heman Ely, who in 1817 settled in a strategically located area close to Lake Erie along the picturesque Black River. Historically, Elyria, which became the seat of Lorain County, has been a center of commerce and government while also serving as a market and source of supplies for the surrounding agricultural community. Industrial development has included steel mills, quarries, automobile-related firms, and a wide variety of other manufacturing facilities. Over the years, Broad Street has been an important center of retail and professional activity. For recreation, Elyria's citizens are able to enjoy beautiful parks and recreation facilities.

William L. Bird is a lifelong resident of the city and retired as a teacher in Elyria public schools. He currently serves as the executive director of the Lorain County Historical Society, which is based in Elyria. Robert R. Ebert is a volunteer and board member at the Lorain County Historical Society, is retired from a career as a college professor, and has lived in the area for about a decade. Many of the photographs used in this collection are from the archives of the Lorain County Historical Society.