Shocking Fire Lights the Nightscape - Lakeside Pavillion Saved

A quick security guard called for firefighters to catch the fire in its early stage.  Lakeside Pavilion has been part of the landscape of Lakeside Chataqua resort for at least a hundred years.  A large portion of this building is wood, so the quick response of EMS workers, and security guard, Ed Cochenour, saved the evening.  The damage is being called minimal.

As per local hardware store owner John Starcher's, comment on the fire article appearing in the Port Clinton News Herald:

"I went by there just now - the damage appears to be RELATIVELY small. I'm sure they will be able to restore the pavilion with no problems. "Could have been a whole lot worse" was the initial thought I had as I looked at it. A huge shout out to the security guard who caught it, to the Lakeside and Marblehead crews for their quick response and excellent knock-down of the flames, and to the members of CIVD for providing backup when called upon. You all deserve high praise!”

Lakeside Chataqua is such an integral part of this area, that, even though the fire was quickly doused, locals were apprehensive.  The fear of something happening to a beloved building which holds lots of memories is alarming.  The recently constructed viewing decks should be in relatively good shape.  A romantic view enclosed with a white spindle railing and gingerbread trim above is also a gathering place for get togethers.  Sitting areas and picnic tables offer gracious moments with family and friends, and a view of Lake Erie.

Speculation on the cause of the fire whispers a possible electrical problem, though no one has come up with concrete proof of the cause. Cochenour made the call that evening, and help arrived in ample time. The Catawba Township Firefighters, and the Lakeside Volunteer Fire Department worked together to get the flames under control

Tom Derby, chief financial officer of the Lakeside Organization made two comments according to the Port Clinton News.  First Tom said that it looks like the damage wasn't too bad.  When asked for a dollar figure to assess the cost of the repairs, Derby couldn't say.  He merely stated that it looks like the repair will cost a lot of money.  The insurance adjustments will be coming across his desk in due time.

The Pavilion, like so many other parts of Lakeside Chataqua, is part of a long heritage dating back to the 1800’s.  Originally it was a Methodist Retreat where campers constructed tents and camped out for meetings of Methodist Churches across the nation.  Now, Lakeside Chataqua functions as a major player in local employment, tourist accommodations, and cultural events for the Marblehead Peninsula and surrounding areas.  It’s a relief that the fire damage was minimal.