Documentary

Willoughby’s Legend and Legacy

If you love history and small town legends, this film is for you. We produced this historical documentary to capture the soul of Downtown Willoughby, Ohio, which has earned distinction on the National Register of Historic Places. Experience the story as told by Willoughby residents and enthusiasts.

Fans of the famous Twilight Zone episode “A Stop at Willoughby” may be interested in seeing the actual town on which it was based!

The film begins with the early history of Willoughby when it originally was called Chagrin and started as a mill town. You’ll learn the true story of how Willoughby got its name, and exclusive information on the legend of the portrait of Dr. Willoughby that hangs in City Hall. Get the history of the Willoughby Medical College which spawned the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and The Ohio State University College of Medicine. Review the historic architecture of Erie Street and what it was like in the heyday when Downtown Willoughby was a major regional economic and transportation hub, including the CE&E/Interurban railway. The 1970’s and 80’s saw Downtown Willoughby struggle with the proliferation of malls and strip centers, but wonderful renewal has taken place and Erie Street remains a living legacy of its original vibrant life born in the 1800’s.

Told through the words of local experts, officials, residents, and enthusiasts – and filled with vintage photographic images with present day comparisons, this historical documentary tells the story of a remarkable past. Learn the legend and legacy of one of Ohio’s most treasured towns.

Testimonials

“A treasured keepsake for anyone who has ever loved all that is unique and wonderful about Willoughby.” – Christina Wilkinson

“As a person who grew up in Willoughby and stayed there until I got married I can say it brought back some memories. I lived in Willoughby for 22 years. Went to all Willoughby schools…Browning Elementary, Willoughby Jr., and South High…I so well remember the downtown area and old stores, and still frequent Downtown Willoughby and area places. I live in Mentor now so it is nice to still be close by. I am sending a copy of the DVD to my mother in Florida for her to enjoy!”

“Anne and Nancy produced a captivating feature about Downtown Willoughby. The film contains a lot of intriguing facts that the average citizen does not know. The pace of the film is quick and to the point in delivering the information, and the ‘Ken Burns’ style of the production keeps the audience interested.” – John Popelka, President, Willoughby Area Welcome Center