Yankee Lake Park was a leisure destination located near Brookfield, Ohio, to the north of Youngstown and just west of Sharon, Pennsylvania. Although the park got its start in the early 20th century, in 1940, the Pittsburgh Courier reported that Eugene Cooke of Farrell, Pennsylvania, hoped to turn the venue into a full-fledged summer resort for African Americans. In addition to the 50-acre site’s existing dancing pavilion, bandstand, and cafeteria along a large artificial lake, Cooke imagined adding cabins, a golf course, and tennis courts. It is not known how Cooke was related to the park or what became of his plan, which appears never to have gained traction.
Additional information coming soon.
Resources
- “Yankee Lake Park’s Dancing Pavilion Ranks With Finest in Entire Mid-West.” Pittsburgh Courier. August 31, 1940.