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Berea - It's a Lou Lou LbNA #45255 (ARCHIVED)

Owner:Adoptable
Plant date:Mar 5, 2009
Location:
City:Berea
County:Cuyahoga
State:Ohio
Boxes:1
Planted by:1SG
Found by: Wee Walkers
Last found:May 10, 2009
Status:FFFFar
Last edited:Mar 5, 2009


NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE
NOTE: 23 Jun 2009 - I received a report yesterday that Lou has gone MIA. This report has not been confirmed. Please advise if you have updates.
18 Jul 2009 - Today I received a second missing report on Lou. I will try to go check on him this week, but it is unlikely that he is still alive.
He's gone I will make a replacement!!


You will be looking for a two cup (5x3x3½”) lock & lock container that is covered with camouflage duct tape.

MATERIALS NEEDED: The box contains only a logbook and a stamp. Please bring your own Stamp-pad or Inking pens as well as a writing instrument.

DIFFICULTY: Recovery of this box will require round trip travel of about 1 mile on concrete and gravel walkways then mowed grass with minimal elevation changes. The path is wheelchair accessible however actual recovery of the box will require a climbing a few feet.
Hike Length: 1.0 miles
Elevation Gain: 5 feet

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BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Our family has resided in Berea since 1980, but we have only recently developed an interest in letterboxing.

Although we are very fortunate that the area is rich in letterboxing opportunities, I find that few of them have themes that are specific to the Berea area.

I am now placing a number of letterboxes featuring local culture, points of interest and history.

This, my third Berea box, is planted in memory of one of our most famous citizens who contributed much to the city both as a citizen and in financial grants to promote youth recreation. It has been placed in a location which bears his name.

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ABOUT “BEREA – IT’S A LOU LOU”

Louis Roy Groza (January 25, 1924 - November 29, 2000) was known as "The Toe" after the appendage that brought him early and lasting fame. Born in Martins Ferry, Ohio into a decidedly athletic Hungarian immigrant family, believe it or not he was the smallest (at 6' 3") of three brothers.

Lou received his degree from Ohio State in 1949 and, after a short stint in the Army, became a professional insurance counselor and a left tackle/place kicker for the Cleveland Browns, a position he held his entire football carrier lasting until 1959. After a brief retirement, he returned to play from 1961-1967.

According to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, his 21 years of play was unprecedented up to that time, and when he retired, he was last of the original Browns still active.

While renowned for his kicking ability, Groza also played and started during most of his career as offensive tackle for the Browns. He was very proficient at both positions, named nine times to the NFL Pro Bowl and was All-NFL tackle six times. Groza also led the NFL in field goals in 1950, 1952-54, and 1957. In 1950, his field goal with 30 seconds left won the NFL Championship Game. He was installed in the National Football League Hall of Fame in 1974.

Lou, married his wife Jackie in 1950. They made their home in Berea, where they have lived for 41 years, raising their family, a daughter and three sons. Lou lived by a personal creed that goes "always support a good cause in any way you can." His athletic skills led him to help and advise young athletes, as he did for many years at both Berea High School and Baldwin-Wallace College, as well as Punt, Pass and Kick competitions and school seminars.

His interest in youth also was reflected in support and inspirational activities for Boy Scouts, Indian Guides, Jaycees and at football banquets and awards programs far and wide.

Though he gave his time unselfishly to young people, Lou also quietly served the citizens and the City of Berea in a number of ways. He was a longtime member and past director of Berea Rotary and chaired many charity fund raisers, drives and banquets. He signed autographs for the Berea Library levy kickoff and was a member of a fund raising committee for Mahler Museum expansion. Lou also had served on the Mayor's Environmental Control Advisory Committee.

As an emissary of good will all over the land, Lou has brought credit to himself and to Berea. As a friend and neighbor he was always humble and sincere. Lou was a warm and sensitive family man and churchgoer. In an era in which we badly need role models , Lou Groza stood out like a beacon for young and old alike.

In 1990 Lou "The Toe" Groza was named the 25th recipient of the prestigious Grindstone Award and Berea's Outstanding Citizen in recognition of a long career as a distinguished athlete, businessman, a helper of the youth, a civic leader and supporter and a devoted family man.

On August 16, 1999, The City of Berea renamed First Avenue and assigned the Browns Headquarters the new address "76 Lou Groza Boulevard", in honor of Groza's retired number. Lou "The Toe" Groza wore number 76 as the team's place kicker for 21 seasons. A Berea Sandstone marker stands in front of the Cleveland Browns Headquarters as a monument to a great football player, a great man, and a great humanitarian.

Lou passed away on November 29, 2000. He will be missed.

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WHERE IS IT?

The start point for this search will be the intersection of Jannana Dr. and Vivian Dr. in Berea.

Jannana Dr. is a residential street which is accessed from Fair St a few hundred yards north of the intersection of Fair and Sprague near the south west boundary of the city. Fair St. runs North from Sprague at the East end of the bridge taking Sprague over the Ohio Turnpike.

After turning onto Jannana Dr. continue straight on until it ends at the junction with Vivian Dr. Park on the street.

WARNING: IN BEREA ON STREET PARKING IS PERMITTED ONLY ON THE SIDE OPPOSITE THE FIRE HYDRANTS.

Now gather your things and proceed on the paved path which runs between the corner houses to a field beyond. As the path leads you out into the open you should see a massive steel lollypop on your right and a place where the boys of summer play on the left.

Continuing on there is a children’s playground area, then some huge steel trees on your right and a second playing field on the left. You will be returning to your car the same way, so if you wish to use the playground equipment it can be done coming or going.

Next on the left is a refreshment stand and some convenience facilities although they may be locked during the winter. Stop Just beyond the concession stand and read the inscription on the grindstone as it clarifies why I choose this location for my letterbox.

Continue on the path the way you have been going until another path crosses. At that junction follow the path running to your left which leads past a third ball field.

Stop when you reach the rear of the right field bleachers, then turn left (south) and follow the social path running between the bleachers and the line of trees adjacent to condominiums. Continuing along the right field fence you see the berm (long dirt mound) which separates properties in this area from the Ohio Turnpike directly ahead of you.

Continue straight ahead to the berm, a few feet up from the base there is a small tree with multiple trunks. On the back of this tree covered with brick, rocks, and other debris you will find Lou.

This is a busy area during the warmer months of the year and you can be seen from many directions. Please exercise caution not to be observed while getting and placing the box. I recommend that you go sit in the bleachers if they are not in use to take care of your stamping.

Please replace as you found it hiding it well.

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Please let me know the status of this box when you find it.
It is helpful if you log your find both here and on Atlas Quest
I hope that you enjoy this adventure.