Defining History as It Continues to Change Through the Years

by Brandon J. Wysocki

Failing to be informed and inspired by history is one of the greatest disservices we can do to ourselves. However, just as it's easy for us to take the spectacular crown of our city, Lake Erie, for granted as we get wrapped up in current affairs and the day-to-day activities of life, it may be easier to lose sight of the rich and wonderful history which, in its own way, is just as intrinsic to and interwoven in our identity.

History has a unique way of providing perspective, guidance, and drive. It gives us critical insight into how we have come to be where we are and how we might be able to get to where we desire to be.

We should cherish history—not in stubbornly clinging to the past or in any way confining ourselves to it, but in learning from it and using it to grow.

In studying our history, you become more aware of some of the impressive heights of the past—along with the missteps —and you become more mindful of our own place and actions in the present. Viewing the present through the lens of it being the history of the future can give us the impetus to be more considerate in what we do, as well as how and why we do it.

In my mind, history's most potent potential is to provide the inspiration to do great things and provide the proof that people can do such things here in a city like Lorain, one that is fighting to find a new sustainable identity and prosperous place in an ever-changing world.

When we receive news about efforts to bring something new to our community, it's easy to think it won't happen or it can't happen. But when we see 1960s photos of the U.S.S. Cod submarine drydocked in Lorain for repairs or a 1910 photo of several large ships occupying the Black River—or when you learn that nearly half of the 1000-foot freighters on the Great Lakes, including the largest, were built here in Lorain—anything begins to feel much more feasible.

U.S.S. Cod submarine dry-docked in Lorain, Ohio, circa 1960s

photo courtesy of Lorain Historical Society and Pete Donatucci

Regardless of what may come, I challenge everyone to reflect on some of the truly exceptional people and products that have come from Lorain. I wonder who of us might be the next inventor, entrepreneur, soldier, entertainer, athlete, artist, author, or any other person of positive impact to leave a lasting legacy in and for Lorain.

Who of us will look to the greatness of the past and aspire to accomplish our own great things in the present? Like a guardian watching from behind, the shadows of the past do not loom over us to make us timid or limit us—but rather to provide us cover and courage so that we may achieve our own great feats in due time.

Indeed, and again like Lake Erie, our history is a precious resource that we do well to study, promote, enjoy, and tend to as stewards. Fortunately for Lorain, Lorain Historical Society is doing a superb job with the latter and, as such, provides excellent opportunities for the former. They are an extraordinary organization whose effort to preserve and celebrate our history cannot be overstated. They serve our community by offering a variety of excellent presentations and programming for all ages, and they foster dialogue on important issues and productive efforts.

Several large ships occupy the Black River in Lorain, Ohio, circa 1910

photo courtesy of Lorain Historical Society

This year, Lorain Local and Lorain Historical Society are collaborating to explore what Lorain being "The International City" means to us. With Lorain International Festival poised to return this summer, it is clear that Lorain signals an international importance. But how deep that spans is something we need your help to examine together.

We would love to hear why you think Lorain earns the title of "The International City." With your help, we hope to define this and determine if it has changed over the years and whether it means or has ever meant the same thing to everyone. Throughout 2022, we will ask individuals from various generations what this phrase signifies and how we can best build upon that moving forward into our future.

To start, we are collecting responses on lorainlocal.com, and we will make posts through various social media platforms encouraging engagement from everyone who has ever experienced Lorain in any capacity.

What did your time in Lorain show you? What did you discover while you were here? Is that something that can help explain why we are known as "The International City"?

Maybe it won't explain it entirely, but please join us to help pinpoint this integral piece of the history that makes us the city we are today.

Then, stay tuned to learn other people's responses and discover how all of us embody what it means to be #LorainProud.

photo by Jen Navarro