The City of Lake Station has a storied history that can often be forgotten in the hustle and bustle of today’s world, but the city and its residents know it’s important to never forget the past. That’s why, after a wait that kept many on the edge of their seats, the Lake Station Historical Society & Museum had its grand opening on Saturday, September 30.
Since its founding in 1851, Lake Station has always played a part in Region history. From railroad workers to steel workers, the city’s history of blue-collar labor has created a population that’s proud of where it comes from.
“The Historical Society is a group that has long been dedicated to not only preserving the rich history that exists in Lake Station but promoting and displaying it for all that share in the love of this city to see,” said Mike Poweska, president of the Lake Station Historical Society. “This city is storied, and its people are well versed in it, but to take the opportunity to combine forces and create a place that exists for the sole purpose of pride and preservation of the place we call home is a special undertaking.”
The museum’s location on Central Avenue puts it right in the heart of Lake Station. It’s taken a lot of time and effort from many people to prepare the museum for launch to the public, which is why Poweska and the rest of the Historical Society are so excited to open the museum and city’s history to the public.
“This event is much more than the celebration of a new building,” said Poweska. “It is a culmination of years of effort, hundreds of man hours, and decades of history.”
Before the event, Poweska expressed how important it was to the Historical Society that this space be available to the public.
“It’s my hope and the hope of every member of the Historical Society that people come to this event, embrace what Lake Station is now, and enjoy what it always has been,” he said. “For some people, this place will allow them to learn about a city that they have recently moved to. For others, this will be a walk down memory lane.”
None of this would have been possible without contributions from the larger Lake Station community. Their desire to preserve their history in a rapidly evolving world let Poweska and the rest of the Historical Society do what they love. There is no ulterior motive or secondary objective in sharing the city’s story; there is only love for Lake Station.
“There is a sort of community in this kind of celebration that is purely good,” said Poweska.
To learn more about the Lake Station Historical Society & Museum, visit their Facebook page.
To learn more about what’s happening in Lake Station, visit www.lakestation-in.gov.