Going Through Changes

Interview by Cariann Dureka

Grace Albano, a 45 year-long resident to Lakewood—purchased her home in 1978, just 5 years after this neighborhood’s formation. When we spoke, she shared some insight into the history of the neighborhood and how things have changed.

Much of the neighborhood looked and felt different from today—streets were shorter or not even connected to the roads many of us take to get to work or school every day! The Lakes were also separated to begin with—West Lake was originally designated as a “No-Wake Lake” and East Lake did allow for wake: Grace recounts that they had one of the first pontoons on the lake, and how water skiing was a popular watersport for residents until the lakes were joined and deemed a No Wake Lake in 1988, to eliminate both sound pollution and preserve the shoreline from the wave action created by the boats.

Grace’s home sits right across from Bramble Trail, where the first three houses on the street were model homes. She told me that though her and her husband did not purchase the lot and pick the home that was to be built on it, the home had just been constructed and its previous owners bought and sold it before even moving in—Grace’s particular build was one of two houses in Lakewood by Josh Rider, who did not build again in Lakewood after that.

She reminisced about Lakewood in its early years. Where residents traded convenience and closeness to the rest of the surrounding city; they had seclusion, surrounded by undeveloped land where she recalls walking and seeing wildlife. While deer, foxes, waterfowl and more can still be found around the neighborhood, they are forced to intersect with residential streets and yards, for better or worse!

One thing that has stayed the same, which Grace recalls from years past, is the neighborhood block parties. Neighbors from their entire street would get together, potluck style—these gatherings formed a stronger community bond and created lasting memories. Though Block Parties never really went out of style, there’s certainly been a marked resurgence in Lakewood in the last few years—not just for gathering’s sake, but some with a philanthropic purpose. Costumed Tennis contests were another memorable event from Grace’s time in Lakewood as well.

One thing Grace suggests that new residents do is perhaps not surprising to readers—she urges newcomers to try whatever they can, join clubs and get to know your neighbors—even if that is just stopping to talk to your neighbors when you see them on the street. With many changes over the years, it is a comfort to know that a warm and friendly community can always be found.