Historical society gala highlights lakefront living
By Jennifer Mitchell
Rocky River
Published August 16, 2006

Jerry and Kathy Berkshire gaze at the sun as its sets over Lake Erie during Saturday’s Party at the Pointe. (Photo by Larry Bennet)

The combination of white tents, Evan Campus’ saxophone jazz drifting on the breeze, a feast from Lakewood’s Three Birds restaurant and stellar views of Lake Erie guaranteed that those who attended The Party at the Pointe Saturday got their money’s worth.

Held by the Rocky River Historical Society, the $150 per-ticket fund-raiser was the initial effort in an ongoing plan to raise $500,000 for a Scholarship, Educational Development and Building fund.

Though the city has a rich history and several residents devoted to preserving it, Rocky River is the only western suburb of Cleveland that has no permanent home for its vast collection of memorabilia, according to the society. Collections are housed throughout the city where space is available. Instead of having to sell or turn down large donations, society members want a central location with enough room for everything. Having the money to acquire such a spot is integral in members’ reaching their goal.

Saturday’s gala was a successful first step, according to society President W. Philip Ardussi. However, it couldn’t have been done without the generosity of the community.

First and foremost on the society’s “thank-you” list is Frank Mosier, who opened the doors of his 99-year-old lakefront home and gardens for the event. The Frazier Drive residence is part of the city’s historic legends.

Long ago, a former resident built the white stucco home on what was then called Tisdale Point for his 19-year-old New York wife, according to the Historical Society. It sits on a peninsula that juts out above the point where Lake Erie and the Rocky River meet. Lake Erie is visible from the wide windows of every room, and magnificent views of Lakewood and Rocky River abound.

The home’s first owner eventually divorced his wife, but she kept the house. In the 1920s, she promoted a  $1.3 million plan to build a resort club where the home stood. She would call it Sunset Point. Her vision of six stories housing 178 suites as well as elevators, a lounge, dining and billiard rooms and beauty and barber shops, with trolleys, yachting and swimming just outside the front door, never came to pass.

The Depression put an end to her plan, forcing her to mortgage the home. In 1935, Lee Wilson bought it through a Cuyahoga County sheriff’s sale. The president of Rocky River’s Lee Wilson Engineering Inc. then sold it to Mosier years later in 1985.

To the joy of many, the house that looks as if it was plucked from the Italian Riviera and, in fact, was the vision of an Italian architect, still stands. All that remains of the first owner’s vision for a beachfront getaway is a tattered Sunset Point brochure, held by the historical society.

When asked to open his doors for the society fund-raiser, Mosier was happy to comply and said he was flattered by the request. Many who attended found the inside of his residence as breathtaking as the vista outdoors. Masterful oil paintings adorn the walls and the main hall boasts an intricate mahogany mantelpiece carved from a single piece of wood. Mosier explained that the artist had to keep the creation underwater while working so the massive structure wouldn’t crack.

In addition to Mosier’s donation, others in the community gave what they could to get the event up and running.

The society expressed appreciation for Chandler’s Inc., the evening’s prime sponsor, and gala supporters, including former Mayor William Knoble, Gloria Hardington of Realty One Salemaker Team, Joan Ellis-Saxton of Lakefront Specialist Realty One, and Stephen Hammerschmidt of Turnberry Homes.

Others gave the society valuable gifts to auction off for the cause.

Rocky River Historical Society President W. Philip Ardussi shows off an antique clock with a touch of artistry, made be member Thomas Barrett. (Photo by Larry Bennet)

Thomas Barrett, local antique clock dealer and specialist, gave a restored and customized 1835 Connecticut-made shelf clock and volunteered to come to the home of the winner to set the piece up. Barrett added a special touch, doing a reverse painting on the inside glass that covers the clocks gears and wheels. The painting, copied from an 1850s area postcard, depicts Sunset Point.

Barrett was unable to attend as he was speaking to an antique clock builders association in New York. However, Ardussi was happy to showcase the society member’s workmanship.

While showing Barrett’s painting, Ardussi told the story of Dr. J. F. Jenkins, who wowed area residents in 1871 by crossing a 900-foot rope from Lakewood to Rocky River. Holding only a pole, he made the journey 150 feet above the river safely to Sunset Point. A black-and-white picture of Jenkins in mid-feat can be seen in one of two books on the city’s history, available through the historical society,

Auction donations also included tickets for Cavaliers, Browns and Indians games, and a five-night stay at a South Fort Meyers, Fla., home situated between two golf courses.

While the evening was a successful start toward the society’s $500,000 goal, trustees said they still need the community’s support. To learn more, visit the Rocky River Historical Society's Web site. Information also is available by calling (440) 331-5449.