The area which is currently known as Lakewood was developed as an Amusement Park back in the early 1910’s – 1930’s. During that time, a dam was constructed adjacent to the Hoskins Textile Mill district. A lake filled up behind the dam and the shores of the lake were developed with a park which had pavilions, a theater, hangout shelters, a roller coaster, a ferris wheel, a trolley, and a small petting zoo. Lakewood became known as the City’s favorite playground (it was the Carowinds of it’s time).