Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

'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.

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!