Two

BAIN PARK CABIN

It is safe to say that the most unique work of art in Fairview Park is the mural in Bain Park Cabin. Designed by Earl Neff and painted by Works Progress Administration artist Michael Rozdilsky, it depicts the history of Fairview Village up until 1940 when the mural was painted for the opening of the cabin. It features Native Americans, a preacher on horseback, Conestoga wagons, the Underground Railroad, the mayor’s seal, costume parties and dances, the interurban, the North Olmsted Municipal Bus Line, the first cabin burning, Mayor David Bain reviewing blueprints, and Neff riding horses under the Lorain Road bridge with his wife and son. (David Barnett.)

The city’s most historic building and park predate the city name, Fairview Park, although the village’s park was called Fairview Park from its dedication in 1928 until the park and cabin were renamed in 1953. The Community Cabin was ready to open in 1937, but the brand-new building was mysteriously destroyed by fire just a day before its dedication. (Fairview Park Historical Society.)

By 1940, the rebuilt cabin had defied fate and was dedicated on January 15. The two buildings are in the exact same position, using the same foundation, and the same branches on the trees are seen in these two shots. (Fairview Park Historical Society.)

Here is a shot of the first Community Cabin on fire on December 14, 1937. It was not insured yet because it was a Works Progress Administration project that had not yet been taken over by the village. But the community refused to be defeated, quickly mobilizing to rebuild. (Fairview Park Historical Society.)

Everybody is gathered on the foundation of the Community Cabin that burned down to set the cornerstone for the replacement. By this time, shock from the loss had grown into a fierce determination to rebuild the cabin. Mayor David Bain, in the center wearing glasses, had no idea at this time that the cabin and surrounding park would be renamed in his honor after his death in 1953. (Fairview Park Historical Society.)

Little did the photographer realize that this picture preserved a rare image of the Community Cabin interior seen by few people before it disappeared in a fire. (Fairview Park Historical Society.)

Looking from the same direction in the new cabin, it is still generally a rustic cabin—not much changed in style. (Fairview Park Historical Society.)