[1] The Lakewood Theater complex is set on the western shore of Lake Wesserunsett, off United States Route 201 in eastern Madison.

The theater's rise in prominence began in 1901, when Herbert Swett took over its management, and oversaw improvements to its physical plant over a 20-year tenure.

[3] In order to stimulate passenger traffic, many trolley car systems at the turn of the century participated in the development of amusement centers in scenic locations along their lines, particularly at terminal points.

Such a park was developed in 1895 in Lakewood Grove on the shore of Lake Wesserunsett by the Somerset Traction Company of Skowhegan, Maine.

In 1925 Howard Lindsay became director and helped to create through his talents and New York contacts the national reputation which the theater achieved.

Stars like Dorothy Stickney and Walter Hampden began to grace the Lakewood Stage to be followed by George M. Cohan, Cornelia Otis Skinner, Vincent Price, Ethel Barrymore and many others who acted with the resident company.

The trolley cars have long since passed from the scene but the footlights at Lakewood continue to illuminate the theatrical tradition they began.