Lorain Public School Recreation Field, the original name of the field, was dedicated on May 29, 1928 "as a place for wholesome recreation for the public". Since that time the field has been the site of countless sporting events, concerts, graduations, fireworks and pageants. In 1960 future president John F. Kennedy spoke there.

It was home field to the Lorain High Lavenders and Steelmen, the Fighting Irish of Lorain Saint Mary's and the Spartans of Lorain Catholic. It is the home field of the Admirals of Admiral King, the Saints of Southview and the Steelmen of Lorain Middle.

The cost for the land and construction was at $39,866.62. Lorain's public school students pledged $15,000 and, despite the depression, raised the money in only 5 years. In the beginning there was one section of seats, no press box, and no field lights. Games were generally played on Saturday afternoons.

In 1933 the press box was added at a cost of $95. The seating capacity was increased and a concrete wall built around the field. In 1939 the first field lights were installed and seating capacity was again increased. Public relief funds covered almost half the cost of both the 1933 and 1939 improvements.

Lorain sports fans loved night football. The total gate receipts for 1939 were $13,499 with profits of $9,038. The attendance for the last game of the season was estimated to be between 8,000 and 8,500.

During its 75 year history the field has gone through many changes. In 1958, upon the retirement of long time coach and athletic director George Daniel, football coaches Art Lave, Don White and Tony Misko Jr. recommended that the school board rename the field in honor of Mr. Daniel.

The board took the following action, Be it resolved: That the athletic facilities of The Lorain Board of Education, now know as "Recreation Field", be henceforth know as "George Daniel Field" and that a plaque so designating this dedication be erected at a suitable location within the facilities.

For 75 years George Daniel Field has helped build character in the thousands of Lorain's youth who have played there, marched there, or cheered on their team. It will continue to do so for many more years. The best is yet to come!

---

	George Daniel* 1887-1969

George Daniel was born in Scotland in 1887. He came to Lorain in 1898 and graduated from Lorain High School in1905. He graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University and attended Harvard University and Chautauqua School of Physical Education.

He began a teaching, coaching and administrative career with Lorain City Schools in 1910. He coached all major sports at Lorain High School. As head football coach between 1910 and 1920 he amassed a winning record of 71-16-5.

He was Director of Athletics for Thirty-Seven years, 1921-1958. He was responsible for the planning of, and the improvements to, the athletic field. He strongly believed that physical education was critical to academic achievement saying, "physical education builds sturdy bodies and good citizens". He was known locally and nationally as a leader in the field of high school sports.

In a letter to the school board recommending the re-naming of the athletic field in honor of Mr. Daniel three Lorain High coaches wrote, "He has served as a teacher, coach, athletic director, director of physical education and as an ambassador of fair play and good will for 48 years. He would be, in all probability, The Dean of Ohio Athletic Directors if such a title could be bestowed on an individual so active in athletics".

George Daniel was killed in an automobile accident on October 9, 1969. He was 82 years of age. Daniel's request was to be cremated and his ashes deposited at the field that will forever bare his name.

Photo Gallery

*Information on George Daniel is from Lorain High School in retrospect 1879-1995 By Burton J. Nesbitt

Banners along Oberlin Ave. have been made possible, in part, with support from Lorain National Bank and The Morning Journal, official sponsors of "A Peoples History of Lorain Public Schools".