Forest Hill: The Rockefeller Estate (OH) (Images of America) [Paperback]

Sharon E. Gregor (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 16, 2006

John D. Rockefeller's Cleveland roots stretched across the oil-drenched banks and murky flats of Kingsbury Run in Cleveland and ended in the wooded sanctuary at Forest Hill. Six miles east of Public Square, Forest Hill was the Rockefeller family's country estate and summer home for four decades. It had formal gardens, greenhouses, a lake and lily pond, a golf course, a horse track, and acres of farmland. In the early 1900s, tourists and local residents rode the streetcar out Millionaires' Row to East Cleveland, where they peered through the imposing iron gates scrolled with an R to peek at the gatekeeper's lodge, the manicured lawns, and the road that led to the mansion atop the hill. Unfortunately, in 1917, Forest Hill burned to the ground. Because so many records, mementos, and photographs perished, the estate remains as shrouded in secrecy today as it did during its lifetime. Forest Hill: The Rockefeller Estate unveils the story of the estate, how it evolved and changed over the years, and how its legacy continues.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Sharon E. Gregor coordinated the effort that placed 81 Rockefeller homes on the National Register of Historic Places. She is a founder of the Forest Hill Historic Preservation Society and served as its first president. Gregor most recently served as chairperson of the City of East Cleveland's Historic Preservation Board.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Arcadia Publishing (October 16, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0738540943
• ISBN-13: 978-0738540948
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,969,724 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Still shrouded, December 28, 2008

By 

Joan (Pittsburgh PA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Forest Hill: The Rockefeller Estate (OH) (Images of America) (Paperback)

'Forest Hill's collection of photographs is extensive, however the element of depth to its characters is decidedly lacking. Perhaps it is not part of the scope of the book to cover this? The place must have employed many many people over the years yet there seems to be little about them. Just many pictures of near by buildings, and some Edwardian-era aloof Rockefellers and architects etc. My great grandfather worked as a gardener there practically straight off the boat from Hungary - from 1904 until its demise. Where are these people - the one's that were there everyday, even though the Rockefellers only 'visited' for the most part? Who were they? What did they look like? Where are their pictures? I cannot imagine the only pictures were all in the mansion when it burnt.

5.0 out of 5 stars Forest Hill: The Rockefeller Estate, October 18, 2011

By 

margie e. - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Forest Hill: The Rockefeller Estate (OH) (Images of America) (Paperback)

Anyone interested in the history of Cleveland, Ohio, or How The Rich and Famous Lived, will find this book fascinating. A growing Cleveland expands its boundaries, and the first Cleveland suburbs are built. Rockefeller was one of the first to see the benefits of moving a short distance from the center of Cleveland to a higher elevation. The pictures of the home, grounds, infrastructure, streets, walls, lakes, etc.(black and white) are exquisite. These homes were built to last, but unfortunately, fires and bulldozers took over to make room for more homes and people per square foot. It is a tribute to Rockefeller and other very wealthy Clevelanders who donated wonderful tracts of lands for parks. My interest was in confirming a family story that had my great-grandfather living next door to Rockefeller. It turned out to be very true!