Historical Research Partners- Reflections on historic homes and genealogy

Celebrating the Fourth of July

2013-07-01T12:04:00.002-07:00

Each year on July 4^th, we celebrate the birth of our republic. On July 2, 1776, our founding fathers took a stand and voted to legally separate the thirteen Colonies from Great Britain’s rule. Thereafter, these courageous men hammered out the details of the Declaration of Independence which officially stated the intentions of the separation. On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was officially adopted by the Second Continental Congress. Hence, it is on this date that we celebrate our country’s independence; yet, the fight for independence would continue for another seven years. In a letter to his wife, Abigail, dated July 5, 1776, founding father, John Adams, predicted the significance of the day upon which the vote to legally separate from Great Britain occurred as follows:

“The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”

Adams' prediction was accurate, but the date of celebration falls on July 4, not July 2. Hence, from 1776 until today, Americans have chosen to celebrate the Day of Independence in much the same fashion.

Huron Suffers Severe Loss From Big Fire

2013-06-16T07:05:00.000-07:00

From the Sandusky Evening Star, Saturday, April 18, 1903

The Losses:

Hermes & Scott, fish warehouse, $5,000; no insurance

W.C. Heyman, fish warehouse and contents, $6,000; no insurance

W.C. Heyman, ice house, $500; no insurance

C.A. Weichel, stock of ice, $500; no insurance

V. Fries estate, barn and lumber, $1,000; fully insured

For a time, Friday afternoon, the village of Huron was threatened with a most disastrous fire, which seemed likely to sweep the river front and spread to business blocks. The dying down of the wind, however, prevented such a disaster, and the blaze was practically confined to four buildings, the lumber yards being saved. The total loss is estimated at about $12,000 or $13,000, with but little insurance being given above.

The fire broke out in the fish and twine warehouse of Hermes and Scott, on the river front, near the Fries lumber yards, and spread rapidly. A half dozen people saw the blaze break out about 4:30 and turned in the alarm. How the fire started no one knows. A puff of black smoke suddenly burst out of a window on the first floor, and in another moment the building was a mass of flames. No one had been near the building, and no fire was near the place, so far as is known. The day before, a large quantity of nets and twine had been freshly tarred and stored in the building, and this burned like tinder.

Huron has no fire department to speak of. There is one little hand engine and a supply of hose, and a volunteer company, of which Henry Shaffer is chief. The firemen turned out in good order, and soon had the little engine manned, but the sickly stream of water thrown was of no avail. The flames rapidly spread to the large fish warehouse of W.C. Heyman, and also to Heyman’s ice house. When it was seen that the fire was likely to spread to the lumber yards, an urgent appeal for help was sent to Sandusky. It required time to make up a special train and get the big steamer loaded on, but a quick run was made and by 5:45, the Sandusky firemen were on hand and ready for business. By that time, however, the fire was well under control, and there was nothing to do but turn a stream onto the ruins and keep the fire in check as a precaution against a possible high wind.

Huron will feel the loss by fire severely. In both fish houses, there were quantities of twine which were destroyed. The ice, owned by C.A. Weichel, was considerably damaged and may be worthless. It is not likely that the warehouses will be rebuilt, and this makes the loss the more severe for Huron people. They consider themselves fortunate; however, in that the fire came at a time when there was little wind, for had the strong north wind of the last few days been blowing, nothing would have saved the lumber yards and many buildings in the vicinity.

It was the hard work of the Huron firemen and citizens that saved much loss in the lumber yard. Before the steamer arrived from Sandusky, the blaze had spread to a barn adjoining the lumber piles. On the second floor of this barn was stored a quantity of fine lumber. As the lower part of the barn was burned away, the floor fell. Then men went to work tearing down parts of the burning building and removing the lumber. One pile of lumber was also torn down, and this prevented a further spread of fire. At one time, the large lumber ware house was on fire, so great was the heat, but this blaze was extinguished. The loss to the Fries estate will not exceed a thousand dollars.

Two vessels, the tug Industry and the barge Columbia were lying in the river adjoining the fish houses, but they were not in much danger at any time.

The fire attracted a great crowd of people, and cars running to Huron from both east and west carried many people. When the Sandusky steamer was started, there was a novel sight for the Huron folks. Their chief regrets that the firemen did not reach them earlier.

Building Doctor Program Coming to Vermilion on April 11

2013-04-08T08:05:00.000-07:00

Due to a general lack of proper maintenance, historic structures often come with a host of unforeseen problems. Nonetheless, the integrity with which these structures were built and the quality of the craftsmanship is often unparalleled in today’s world. If you own an older house or building or are simply interested in the preservation of historic structures, you can gain valuable information by attending the upcoming Building Doctor Clinic in Vermilion. The Ohio Historical Society’s Building Doctors are specifically trained to teach those who own historic structures how to recognize and solve some of the most common problems associated with maintaining those structures and how to make informed decisions about repairs and improvements.

According to the Ohio Historical Society’s web site, “Each Building Doctor clinic begins with a free seminar on topics like peeling paint and failing plaster, wet basements, deteriorating masonry, windows, wood issues, and bringing buildings built before 1955 up to date without sacrificing historic integrity. On the following day, the Building Doctors make the rounds of ailing buildings within five miles of the city center where the seminar is held to examine problems and prescribe cures.” The site visits are free, but only about 10 inspections will be performed. Hence, it is imperative that interested parties register for the seminar and then make an appointment with the Building Doctor for a site visit. The Building Doctors will visit any pre-1955 building including schools, churches, factories, stores, offices, farm buildings, and homes.

The Building Doctors only give six programs per year. On April 11, they will be visiting Vermilion and presenting their program at the Ritter Public Library at 7:00 PM. Site visits will take place on Friday, April 12 from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM. Registration for the seminar and the site visits is can be completed online at www.ohpo.org/gis/BDindex.htm or by calling 1-800-499-2470. The Building Doctor Program is being co-sponsored by Main Street Vermilion, Inc. and the Sandusky/Erie County Community Foundation. Further information about the program in Vermilion should be directed to Linda Tallitsch at 440-963-0772. If you cannot attend the program in Vermilion, the Building Doctors will be visiting Port Clinton in September. Alternately, the Building Doctors will make a ‘Virtual Site Visit’ if you have one or two technical questions that you would like to ask. Questions should be directed to the Building Doctors at ohpo@ohiohistory.org.

St. Patrick and St. Joseph

2013-03-15T05:59:00.000-07:00

Here is the link to an article that I wrote for the Huron Hometown News. In the article, I provide an overview of who St. Patrick and St. Joseph were and why and how their feast days are celebrated. I hope you enjoy this article! Link: http://huronhometownnews.com/news/around-town/1146-st-patrick-and-st-joseph

More on Captain Fairbanks Church

2013-03-11T10:27:00.000-07:00

The July 19, 1836 edition of the Norwalk Reflector details the near completion of Fairbanks Church's second ship of the season, the DeWitt Clinton. As previously stated, Captain Fairbanks Church was a prolific ship builder in Huron, Ohio, in the late 1820s and 1830s. Further information on the eventual fate of the DeWitt Clinton, can be found here:http://images.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca/28054/data

Here is a great article on the fate of another ship built by Fairbanks Church, the Great Western: http://www.examiner.com/article/the-burning-of-the-great-western

Huron’s Port was Important to the Town’s Development

2013-03-07T07:45:00.000-08:00

Mouth of the Huron River

Huron, Ohio, May 26, 1832 from the Norwalk Reflector

The rapidly increasing business of this place begins to arrest the attention of our own citizens, as well as travellers and emigrants, who feel an interest in the settlement of Huron County. Since the Steam Boat Sheldon Thompson was built at this port in 1830, it has been noted as one of the best places for ship building on the western Lakes. Since which, the following large Schooners have been built and fitted out at this place, viz. the Marengo, launched in June, 1831- burthen 105 tons;- the Austerlitz, launched in April, 1832- burthern 131 tons, built by Capt. Church and owned by O. Newberry, Esq. of Detroit;- the Prince Eugene, launched in May, 1832- burthern 101 tons, built by Capt. Parsons, and owned by Mr. T. Jackson of Huron;- the Buffalo, launched in May, 1832- burthern 161 tons;- and a new Schooner, now on the stocks, which will be launched about the 20^th June- burthern 130 tons;- the two last vessels owned by Messrs. Standart & Hamilton of Milan, and built by Capt. Church. They are all built of the best materials and after the most approved models, and by first rate ship builders;- any country may well be proud of either of them.

The above mentioned vessels, together with the well know Lady of the Lakes, Louisa Jenkins, Cincinnati, Mary of Milan, Eclipse, and a number of small vessels, too numberous to mention, are owned at this port and Milan, and employed in exporting produce to Detroit and the upper Lakes, as well as to Buffalo and Oswego; and in return bringing merchandize and emigrants from Buffalo;- give to the Port of Huron a name abroad and at home of increasing importance. It is a well known fact, that this place began its date as a port in 1824; at which time waggons were frequently driven across the mouth of the river on a sand bar, which obstructed the waters of the Huron, and caused them to set back in the low lands of the adjoining country, occasioning innumerable and complicated diseases. These evils the fostering hand of Government not only removed, but converted the harbor into one of the best and safest on the Lake, by extending piers a quarter of a mile into the Lake, preventing sand from washing into the channel. To the country generally it is of vast importance, as good roads lead to Milan, and from that village to all surrounding country. The merchants of Milan and Huron have gone into competition with those of Sandusky city in vending salkt, and purchasing produce, which has reduced the price of the former, and advanced the latter to unreasonable rates. The farmers feel the effects of this competition to a great extent; many of whom are rapidly increasing in wealth.

The town of Huron, in a great measure, owes it flattering prospects to the enterprising citizens of Milan; through whose influence and exertions appropriations were made for the improvement of the harbor. The village of Milan is well situated for trade, and by its connection with Huron by the Huron River, which is navigable up within three miles of Milan, together with its healthy location, will soon become a place of extensive business. It is in contemplation to connect the two villages, at the head of navigation, by a canal, which will no doubt ere long be carried into effect. A daily line of Steam Boats, from Buffalo to Detroit, now call at Huron, both on their upward and downward passage, landing and receiving passengers, freight, & c. A daily line o f Stages has also been recently established, running from Huron through Milan, Norwalk, Mount Vernon, to Columbus. The large amount of business already brought to the Lake, by this route, exceeds the expectations of its most sanguine friends.

Note: The Milan Canal, which was completed in 1839, brought a period of prosperity to Milan. The Canal linked Milan to the Huron River and, subsequently, Lake Erie. Ships traveled along the three-mile canal, and then proceeded to the Huron River and eventually traveled another seven miles to Lake Erie through the town of Huron. Farmers could bring their grain, hogs, and other goods to market in Milan and save a day’s travel time over less than ideal roads. Farmers from a 70-80 mile radius to the south, east, and west took advantage of Milan’s Canal. In its heyday, 600-700 wagons arrived in Milan per day, and as many as 20 sailing vessels were loaded with upwards of 35,000 bushels of grain. The population of Milan surged from around 280 residents in 1824 to 500 in 1840 to 1,500 in 1850. Ultimately, the Milan Canal resulted in a major decline in the shipbuilding and exports from Huron.

The History of Milan, Ohio, the Milan Canal, and Squier’s Inn

2013-02-22T07:58:00.001-08:00

The mid to late 1830s was a period of great prosperity in Milan’s history. Construction on the Milan Canal began in 1832 and was completed in 1839. The Canal linked Milan to the Huron River and, subsequently, Lake Erie. Ships traveled along the three-mile canal, and then proceeded to the Huron River and eventually traveled another seven miles to Lake Erie through the town of Huron. Thus, farmers could bring their grain, hogs, and other goods to market in Milan and save a day’s travel time over less than ideal roads. Farmers from a 70-80 mile radius to the south, east, and west took advantage of Milan’s Canal. In its heyday, 600-700 wagons arrived in Milan per day, and as many as 20 sailing vessels were loaded with upwards of 35,000 bushels of grain. The population of Milan surged from around 280 residents in 1824 to 500 in 1840 to 1,500 in 1850. All of this activity in Milan allowed for a variety of businesses to flourish.

One of the businesses that was created due to the increased number of visitors to Milan was the Squier Inn and Tavern which was constructed east of Milan by Whitney Squier. Though no evidence in the form of newspaper ads or articles or other stories in written histories concerning the Squier’s Inn could be located, Milan historian, Wallace B. White, discussed the inn on several occasions during a 1976 interview that was transcribed by Ruth Vogt. In speaking of the dance floor at the Squier’s Inn, Wallace stated “The dance floor in there is said to have been built so it was springy, and sprang. Also on the dance floor, they had tracks so that the partitions could be pulled up to make the bedrooms, or pulled back again to make the dance floor.” The Squier’s Inn was apparently a popular stop for farmers hauling large loads and especially for those farmers who were driving herds of hogs. The Squier family owned a large property and likely had corrals for the hogs. According to Wallace “…hogs were quite a commodity. This old Inn (Squier’s), over there, the drovers used to stop there. The drovers would come in at night, feed the hogs salt and water them hard, so it would increase their weight when they sold them down here (in town).”

Whitney kept the Inn with the help of his unmarried daughters. With the sheer number of wagons arriving in Milan each day and the large number of hogs being driven to Milan, Whitney was able to prosper. As evidence of Whitney’s prosperity, on the 1850 census he stated that his real estate was valued at $11,000 which roughly corresponds to $323,000 today. However, the prosperity of Milan soon began to diminish, first due to an outbreak of cholera in 1851. The town tried to limit the number of visitors, especially to the taverns, because they feared the visitors were bringing cholera with them. But, the biggest blow to Milan’s economy came with the expansion of the railroad in 1854. The railroad made transportation of goods much easier and cheaper for farmers who lived in remote areas. Hence, the Milan Canal was no longer a necessary means of transport. Though only traces of the Milan Canal can be found, the Squier's Inn still stands as a testimony to the once prosperous period in Milan's history.

The History of Valentine's Day

2013-02-12T10:34:00.000-08:00

February 14 marks the official celebration of love. According to a study completed for the National Retail Federation, Americans will shell out $18.6 billion on candy, flowers, jewelry, and other gifts for their sweethearts this Valentine’s Day. Americans are not the only ones who choose to express their love on Valentine’s Day. The day is also celebrated in Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France, Australia, Italy, and Denmark. But why do we do spend money in buying gifts on this particular day? What is the significance of Valentine’s Day in the first place? Is it simply a ploy by retailers to get us to spend our money?

Valentine’s Day has been celebrated as a day to show affection to the one you love since at least the 14^th century. Yet, the history of the man (or men) for whom the day is named is a little sketchy. Legend has it that there were at least three different men named Valentine for whom the day is dedicated. All were said to have been martyred for their faith on February 14. Interestingly, the confusion over who Valentine actually was and what he did led the Catholic Church to drop St. Valentine's Day from their official calendar of feast days in 1969. Yet, the celebration of Valentine’s Day remains prominent in our culture.

The most well-known of the three men named Valentine was a priest who lived in Rome in the third century during the reign of Claudius II. Claudius wanted to strategically build his military, so he declared that young men were no longer able to get married. Valentine defied the Emperor’s edict and secretly married young couples. Unfortunately, Valentine was caught and was imprisoned. In the end, he was condemned to death and was beheaded outside Rome’s Flaminian Gate around 269 AD, allegedly on February 14.

Several legends were associated with Valentine and the circumstances of his death. In one story, Valentine is credited with restoring the sight of his jailer’s blind daughter. This story goes on to claim that on the night before his execution, Valentine penned a letter to the jailer’s daughter and signed it, “From your Valentine”. Whether these stories or any others associated with Valentine are true, there indeed was a man named Valentine. In 1836, some relics that were exhumed from the catacombs of St. Hippolytus near Rome were identified with Valentine.

The association of St. Valentine’s Day with love and romance is rooted in the Roman festival of Lupercalia which was celebrated on February 15. On this day, the Romans honored the god, Lupercus, and picked a romantic partner for the year. The Catholic Church commonly chose to offer Christians an alternative to pagan celebrations. Hence, in the 5^th century Pope Gelasius I established February 14 as a day to honor St. Valentine. Nonetheless, Roman men continued their former traditions in seeking out the affections of women. Expressing love and affection on Valentine’s Day has been widely popular since the Middle Ages, though written notes were not commonplace until around 1400. In the United States, written Valentine’s were shared amongst the earliest settlers. Around 1840, Esther Howland began producing and selling the first mass-produced Valentines in America.

Hence, whether the legends associated with St. Valentine’s Day are all true or not, this day has long been associated with love. The tradition of expressing love through the written word and/or gift giving has been in place much longer than retailers and greeting card companies. So do not feel that in celebrating your love on this day you are simply falling victim to commercialism. All things considered, we truly need something to brighten up these long Ohio winters, and Valentine’s Day offers us the opportunity!

Value in the Past

2013-01-29T11:27:00.002-08:00

I came across this great quote yesterday while doing some research on the history of Lakeside, Ohio, for a chapter in my book on the Hoover Potato Digger and its inventor, Isaac W. Hoover. This quote sums up why I enjoy doing historical research so very much!

"There is a tendency for the present to disgard all the past and keep only the new. However, backgrounds are fascinating entities as are characters, which have all the illuminating facets of a diamond."
~Eleanor Durr, from Lakeside, Ohio: First 100 Years

Ship Building in Huron: Fairbanks Church

2012-11-29T19:52:00.000-08:00

Since moving to Huron, I have been intrigued by the shipbuilders, ship captains, fishermen, and lighthouse keepers of this town on the shore of Lake Erie. Hence, I was thrilled to come across the name of Fairbanks Church in my current project. Of course, my curiousity led me to research (on my own time) beyond was necessary for the house history. Here is a bit of what I discovered:

Captain Fairbanks Church came to Ohio around 1820 from Connecticut. He and Captain Augustus Jones established shipyards at Lorain and Huron and began building innovative vessels that were better at sailing and could carry large tonage. Captain Church had a prolific shipbuilding career in Huron. He built steamers, including the DeWitt Clinton and Great Western, and the 2-mast brig, Henry Clay. Captain Church died in 1843 at the age of 52.

The Great Western: http://drc.library.bgsu.edu/bitstream/handle/2374.BGSU/999/002486a.jpg?sequence=1

Underground Railroad Reminiscences

2012-11-19T10:24:00.001-08:00

One of my current projects has given me the amazing opportunity to learn about the Underground Railroad and the incredible events that took place in Erie County, Ohio, and beyond. I found the following account presented to the Firelands Historical Society in 1887 to be particularly moving.

On December 25, 1859 or 1860 when H.F. Paden was a passenger conductor on the old Sandusky, Mansfield and Newark Railroad, he assisted nine fugitive slaves in their journey to freedom in Canada. Paden got the men as far as the Sandusky, Ohio, where he observed the following:

“Between them and their goal lay Lake Erie, its waters congealed by the forces of nature into a mighty bridge, thirty miles across, treacherous withal, liable to be swept by furious winds and cruel blinding storms of snow. To the certain and uncertain places of this bridge, alike unknown to them, with a pocket compass for their sole guide, these men were about to commit themselves, their hopes, their dearest interests, their very lives, with trustful confidence in a God of freedom, for one grand, final effort to achieve ownership of their own bodies and souls.”

Political Cartoons have been Around a Long Time

2012-11-08T17:23:00.002-08:00

Here is an example of political humor following the 1912 Presidential Election in which Woodrow Wilson (D) won in a landslide defeat over Theodore Roosevelt (Progressive Party), William Taft (R), and Eugene Debs (Socialist Party). (From the November 8, 1912 issue of the Sandusky Register.)

Consider Giving a Gift of History This Year

2012-10-09T14:26:00.003-07:00

House histories and family histories make great gifts. These gifts are unique and very personal. I have completed many histories for gifts, and all have been well-received. If you are considering giving a gift of history this year, please plan ahead. Researching a house or a family takes time, so I set October 31 as my cutoff date for beginning Christmas gifts. Gift certificates are also available.

Jabez Wright: Huron’s Connection to the Underground Railroad

2012-09-19T13:18:00.000-07:00

Huron can take pride in having been the home of an amazing pioneer, civic leader, and integral figure in the antislavery movement, Jabez Wright. Wright came from New York to the Firelands with Almon Ruggles in 1809. Wright and Ruggles had been hired to survey the area of the Connecticut Western Reserve that became known as the Firelands. This land was to be distributed as compensation to those who experienced a significant loss of property during the Revolutionary War. Wright apparently liked the area and settled on the west bank of the Huron River about 2.5 miles from the shores of Lake Erie, in Huron Township. On May 11, 1811, he married Tamar Ruggles, niece of Almon Ruggles, and together they had five children: Winthrop, Douglass, Lucy, Abigail, and Ruggles. Around 1815, Wright relocated to a large parcel of land located on the north side of what is today known as Cleveland Road, West, just east of Rye Beach Road. On this property around 1822, Wright built the first brick house in Huron Township. This impressive home contained eight rooms and a basement.

Wright was instrumental in the development of the Firelands region, and according to his obituary, he was “universally esteemed”. Further, the 1874 Combined Atlas Map of Erie County states that Wright was “a good citizen, an exemplary Christian, and an enterprising pioneer.” As evidence of his good character and civic responsibility, Wright was elected as one of the first two county commissioners for the Village of Cleveland and, in 1815, was elected as one of the first three associate judges for the Court of Common Pleas in Huron County (Erie County was carved out of part of Huron County in 1838). Wright also was elected to serve as Justice of the Peace for Huron Township. In 1820, Wright lost his bid for Ohio State Representative, but in 1823 he was elected to the position of Ohio State Senator for the Ashtabula District, which included Cuyahoga, Geauga, Portage, Huron, Medina, and Sandusky counties. Wright served in this capacity for two terms from 1822-1825. In 1836, he was nominated as the Whig party’s candidate for Representative for the 14^th Congressional District, a position which Wright did not obtain. Wright also worked as a surveyor, land agent, and farmer.

In addition to his public service, Wright’s exceptional character was also evident in the fact that he was one of the first residents of Firelands and the state of Ohio to aid fugitive slaves. Wright risked his reputation and financial well-being to do what was morally right, though in violation of state and federal statutes. His large home served as a regular station or depot on the Underground Railroad. Beneath Wright's farmhouse was a 16-foot wide and 90-foot long tunnel. Fugitive slaves entered the passage through a trap door in the home's basement and exited into a corn crib located about 100 feet from Lake Erie. There, these families and individuals awaited the arrival of rowboats that would transport them to vessels headed to Canada and, subsequently, freedom. Alternately, after resting at Wright’s home, the slaves would make their way to Sandusky or Detroit to await a ship headed to Canada. In a speech before the Firelands Historical Society in 1888, Honorable Rush R. Sloane described Jabez Wright as follows: “He never failed when opportunity offered to lend a helping hand to the fugitives, secreting them when necessary, feeding them when they were hungry, clothing them and employing them.” Wright's home was a common resting stop for Josiah Henson, the man upon whom Harriet Beeacher Stowe based her character of Uncle Tom, during his conducting journeys on the Underground Railroad.

Wright died on December 16, 1840 at the age of 61. According to an account of his death, he “left his house early in the evening of the 16th December, with the intention of transacting some business in the village, and going out in front of his house for the purpose of getting down to the beach, he fell from the bank, and struck his head against some timber in a crib erected in front of his residence, a distance of eighty feet. He apparently made every effort to regain the bank, having succeeded in finding his way to the place where his family would usually go down to the lake for water-but the coldness of the night and the loss of blood paralyzed his efforts. His lifeless body was washed off by the waves and floated opposite the village, where it was found on the morning of the 17th.” Following the death of Jabez Wright, his sons, Winthrop and Douglass, continued the work of their father in aiding slaves in their bid for freedom. It is unknown as to how many fugitive slaves found refuge in the home of Jabez Wright, but his name should forever be remembered for his many acts of kindness.

Upcoming Event by Historical Research Partners

2012-09-05T06:06:00.000-07:00

Join Lisa Yako of Historical Research Partners, Huron, Ohio, for the program, Researching the History of Your Historic Home in Lorain County. This event will be held at the Avon Lake Public Library on Wednesday, October 3 from 7-8:30 PM. Registration is required- 440-933-8128, ext. 249.

The End of an Era in Huron

2012-07-25T15:33:00.001-07:00

History was made today in Huron, Ohio, as the last structure at the former ConAgra site fell. New history will soon be made as the plans for re-development unfold. This is an exciting time for Huron!

Rare Eliot Ness Memorabilia Collection

2012-07-09T19:10:00.004-07:00

This photo, taken in 1947, is one piece of the Rare Eliot Ness Memorabilia Collection that will be soon be part of an auction conducted by Central Mass Auctions, Inc. The photo was taken in Cleveland during Ness' unsuccessful bid for mayor. This is of particular interest to me because the store in the background was owned by my family. So cool! History truly is everywhere.

Huron's Old Plat Neighborhood

2012-05-16T08:55:00.000-07:00

Huron's Old Plat neighborhood is an ecletic mix of interesting houses and even more interesting people. There is an optional neighborhood association, the Old Plat Association, through which social events like an Easter egg hunt, summer picinic, and Christmas carolling events are planned. Also, there is an annual neighborhood garage sale (This will take place on Saturday, May 19 from 8-2 with 20+ houses participating.). We also have a self-guided walking tour brochure should you want to stroll around our neighborhood. Copies of this can be found at the Huron Public Library, the Huron Chamber of Commerce, or online (http://huron.net/pdf/walking%20tour%2007.pdf).

There are a few historic homes for sale in the neighborhood, and we are looking for new homeowners who will cherish these old houses and be true to their history. Previously, I discussed the house located at 125 Center Street. This house is still for sale. Another great house that has recently come on the market is located at 125 Williams Street. This home, built circa 1838, was the longtime home of Rev. Samuel Marks. Marks was the minister at Christ Episcopal Church in Huron for many years and was well-loved by the entire community. The current owners have emassed quite a history on Samuel Marks and are willing to share this with the new owners. Here is a link to the listing: http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/125-Williams-St_Huron_OH_44839_M33780-97293. As the president of the Old Plat Association, I am happy to answer any questions you might have about the neighborhood or Huron in general.

Portraits of Huron’s Past: Andrew and Emma (Frye) Linker

2012-05-11T09:20:00.000-07:00

A series of tragic events led Andrew F. Linker to Huron, Ohio, in the late 1800s. Andrew Phoenix Linker was born on a farm on Galloway Road in Perkins Township on May 22, 1870, to John C. and Margaret Linker. Andrew’s mother, Margaret, died in 1878, and his father, John, died in 1888 after being run over by a train. Since adulthood, in the legal context, was not reached until age 21 at this time, Andrew came under the guardianship of family friend, Gustavus Graham. Soon, Andrew came to live with the Graham family and helped maintain their farm at 3419 Cleveland Road in Huron Township (currently owned by the Barnes family). Further, Andrew became the sole heir of Gustavus Graham after the Graham’s only daughter, Cora, committed suicide in December of 1888.

In 1902, Andrew married Emma Josephine Frye. Emma, the daughter of Jacob and Emma Frye, was born in April of 1878, was raised in Huron, and graduated from Huron High School in 1894. She attended college in Berea, Ohio, where she obtained a teaching certificate. Emma taught in a one-room school house in Huron prior to and after her marriage. After Andrew and Emma’s wedding, the newlyweds lived with the Graham family. Andrew and Emma were blessed with three children, Lurella Belle born in 1904, Ivan Graham born in 1905, and Donna Rose born in 1921.

The Linkers were quite active in the community and served on many committees. Their involvement included the Erie County Grange, the juvenile Grange, the Women’s Council of National Defense, the County Health League, the Erie County Fair, the Knights of Pythias, the Rye Beach Food Club, the Farm Bureau, and the Sandusky Library Trustees.

Tragedy visited the Linker family when Ivan Linker died in July of 1919, at the age of 13. Ivan had been swimming with some friends at Rye Beach. The waves were large and the strong undertow caught Ivan and pulled him out of reach of his friends. His body was not recovered until the following morning.

Andrew’s primary occupation was farming; yet, as the hard times of the Great Depression overtook the country, the Linkers, like most American families, could not survive on farming alone. Around 1930, the Linkers opened their home to tourists as the Ridgewell Inn. In addition, two chicken coops that sat north of the house were converted to cabins and then rented to tourists. Later, the Linkers added a gas station to their offerings, which was located across the street on the corner of Cleveland Road and Camp Street. Later, the Ridgewell Inn also offered tennis courts and a miniature golf course for the guests. The Linker’s continued to welcome tourists into their home until Andrew’s death in 1942.

After Andrew’s death, Emma remained in her home for the next eight years. She was having difficulty maintaining the property and her daughters encouraged her to sell. Being fiercely protective of her home, Emma would not sell the property to just anyone. She especially would not sell her home to someone that intended to turn the house into a liquor establishment because she was strongly opposed to the use of alcohol. In 1950, Harold Barnes was looking for land along the lakeshore upon which to grow roses. Emma agreed to sell the property to Harold since his intentions were agricultural. After selling the property to Harold, Emma moved to Sandusky. She remained in Sandusky until the time of her death in 1959. Emma was buried with Andrew and Ivan in the Oakland Cemetery in Sandusky.

HOOVER POTATO DIGGER T-SHIRTS

2012-03-24T19:31:00.000-07:00

Hoover Shirts-

The decal on the shirt is a duplicate of the decal that was on each digger as it left the Hoover Manufacturing Company in Avery, Erie County, Ohio. Sizes available are Adult M, L, XL, XXL (add $1 for XXL). Please message or call me if you are interested in purchasing a shirt. Limited quantities are available. The cost is $16 (plus $5.15 shipping, if necessary). Online ordering will be available soon.

Dr. John Wesley Bond and Family

2012-03-20T09:01:00.000-07:00

The Bond family is deeply ingrained in the history of both Toledo and Catawba Island primarily due to their willingness to invest in the lives of others. John W. Bond was born on May 8, 1824, in Baltimore, Maryland, to Dr. Thomas and Christiana (Birckhead) Bond. John Bond attended college in Maryland and then trained in the office of a Baltimore physician for several years. In 1852, he moved to Zanesville, Ohio, where, in June of 1854, he married Amanda Buckingham Sturges. In 1856, John and Amanda Bond moved to Keokuk, Iowa, and John opened a practice there.

Feeling an obligation to his country, Dr. Bond joined the 30th Iowa Volunteer Infantry Regiment during the Civil War. When mustered on September 23, 1862, this regiment included 967 men. Dr. Bond was appointed their head surgeon. The 30th Iowa Regiment first traveled from Iowa to St. Lois, Missouri, and then to Helena, Arkansas. On December 28 and 29, 1862, the regiment took part in the Battle of Chickasaw Bayou, a battle that was part of the campaign to capture the Confederate fortress at Vicksburg, Mississippi. Due to poor conditions, many soldiers, including Dr. Bond, became quite ill. Dr. Bond was forced to resign his post on March 20, 1863 and return to Keokuk, Iowa. After his recovery, Dr. Bond moved his family from Iowa to Toledo, Ohio.

Dr. Bond remained in Toledo the rest of his life and was an active member of the Toledo medical community for nearly half a century. In 1863, he was admitted to the Toledo Medical Association and began practicing medicine in Toledo in 1864. Dr. Bond’s community involvement began in 1868 when he was named a member of the Toledo Board of Health. From 1869 through 1872, Dr. Bond served the city of Toledo as its health officer, and in 1875, he was again appointed a member of the Toledo Board of Health. He was a member of the Board of Trustees of the Northwestern Ohio Medical College and, in 1876, became the first Chief of Staff at St. Vincent Hospital. In addition, he served as President of St. Vincent’s Medical Board.
Dr. Bond’s service as the first Chief of Staff at St. Vincent’s is evidenced both in records of his practice in Toledo and the development of the hospital. From its humble beginning in 1855 as a two-story frame building run by the Sisters of Charity, St. Vincent Hospital grew steadily to meet the demand of the growing Toledo community. By 1858, a new hospital, standing three stories high, was constructed. The hospital was again expanded in 1861, and more land was purchased during the period from 1863 through 1866, so as to allow for further expansion. By 1866, St. Vincent’s owned 12 acres. In March of 1875, the Sisters of Charity began yet another and more modern expansion of the hospital which was completed in July of 1876. With this expansion, the hospital formed its first medical staff which was composed of distinguished physicians and surgeons from the Toledo area.
Dr. Bond held the position of Chief of Staff or Surgeon in Chief until 1892 when he began losing his eyesight. He eventually became completely blind. Though unable to practice medicine any longer, Dr. Bond remained an active member of the medical community, serving as a consulting physician until a few months prior to his death in January of 1911.

Three children were born to John and Amanda Bond: Maria born in Iowa in 1859, James born in Iowa in 1861, and Amanda born in Toledo in 1864. The Bond family seemingly had a close relationship, with many members of the extended family joining John and Amanda Bond at their home at 2373 Glenwood Avenue in Toledo. The family’s closeness was exemplified when, after losing his eyesight, Dr. Bond’s daughter, Amanda, and niece, Alice Sturges, read to him to keep him informed of pertinent medical discoveries as well as worldly matters and literature.

Sadly, James Bond died at the age of 2 in 1863. Maria Bond never married and died in Toledo in June of 1887 at the age of 28. After 32 years of marriage, Amanda Sturges Bond died in Toledo in August of 1887. Dr. Bond’s daughter, Amanda, never married, but remained at home until after her father’s death. Thereafter, she made her home on Catawba Island.

For many years, Amanda Bond was associated with the International Order of the King's Daughters and Sons. This order, founded in New York City on January 13, 1886 by Margaret Bottome, comprised a three-fold program of religion, education, and philanthropy to train its members for Christian Service. The organization supported ministries for the elderly, handicapped, and underprivileged. Between 1900 and 1940, the Ohio Branch of the International Order of the King's Daughters and Sons sponsored students, mostly women and girls, to summer educational camps at the Rock Ledge Inn which is located on Sand Road on Catawba Island. Likely, it was Amanda’s association with the King's Daughters and Sons that prompted her to purchase several properties near the Rock Ledge Inn in the early 1900's. In 1907, the Silver Cross Circle of the King's Daughters of Bowling Green, Ohio was organized by Mrs. Hulbert Rogers, a friend of Amanda. This chapter supported the work of the Ohio Branch of the King's Daughters and Sons at the Rock Ledge Inn, and Amanda was appointed to supervise activities there.

Around 1920, Amanda Bond built the house located at 2766 Sand Road on Catawba Island and named it Linden Lodge. Amanda made her residence at another home on her property, the Rock Ledge Farm, likely intending Linden Lodge to serve solely as housing for extra people associated with the Rock Ledge Inn. Amanda’s tie to the International Order of the King's Daughters and Sons was strong throughout the remainder of her life.

Though Amanda sold the property that contained both her residence and Linden Lodge (currently known as the Five Bells Inn Bed and Breakfast) to her cousins, Louis and Anita Dole of Bath, Maine, in 1948, she remained at her residence until her health prevented her from living alone. She died at the age of 89 in June of 1953 in a convalescent home in Toledo. She was buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in Zanesville, Ohio, in her family plot there.

Pied Piper Ice Cream in Huron, Ohio

2012-03-09T16:50:00.000-08:00

A small town just is not the same without a local ice cream stand. The Pied Piper in Huron, Ohio, has a long history and a big following. Here is its story that I published in the March 8, 2012, issue of Huron Hometown News: Pied Piper to Open March 14 Despite the crazy weather and the lack of a true winter, one thing residents of Huron can always count on as a harbinger of spring is the opening of Pied Piper. The official opening for 2012 is only a few days away and preparations are underway! The Pied Piper has been a fixture in Huron since 1952 when it was opened by Ellsworth and Helen Piper. According to Sheila Ehrhardt, the Pipers operated the Dairy Bar, a full-service restaurant that was located on Main Street in Huron. Ice cream was a big seller at the restaurant, and the children often followed Mr. Piper over to the ice cream cooler in mass to make their selection. Hence, Mr. Piper was frequently compared to the legendary Pied Piper. Thus, the name, Pied Piper, seemed fitting for the Piper’s new ice cream stand which they built at the corner of Cleveland Road and Huron Street. The Piper’s operated the Pied Piper for a few years before selling it to Carl Wechter. This was a fitting match since the Wechter family had long been in the dairy business. The Pied Piper has been in the Wechter family ever since. For the past approximately ten years, the Pied has been owned by Chris and Kelly Wechter. According to Chris Wechter, visitors to the Pied will not see any big changes this year, but all of the favorites will be back. So, if you are dreaming of a Nut Dip or a Turtle Sundae or even just a small cone with a face, you will not have long to wait!

Ice Harvesting on the Huron River

2012-03-02T12:24:00.000-08:00

One hundred years ago, the village of Huron, Ohio, was bustling with fisherman. These fishermen relied on the ice harvest each winter to provide them with enough ice to store their catch throughout the fishing season. In February of 1912, the Huron River (Huron, OH) had 19 inches of ice, and it was still thickening. What a contrast to the 0 inches of ice we have had in 2012!

Reminders of the Past: The Fox Road Schoolhouse, Huron Township, Ohio

2012-02-24T10:54:00.000-08:00

One-room schoolhouses dot the landscape of Ohio and provide a reminder of what life was like for the children of rural areas, including Huron Township, at the beginning of the 20th century. Sadly, only two of the more than eight, one-room schoolhouses that once stood in Huron Township remain.

As early as 1841, a schoolhouse stood on Fox Road just west of Camp Road in Huron Township. In September of 1841, Squire Barrett sold a small plot of land in the north part of Lot 9, Section 3 to Huron Township for school purposes. As the population of Huron Township grew, so did the number of children attending the rural schools. In the early 1860s, there was an average of 25 students attending the school on Fox Road, known as the Sub-district No. 8 School. Hence, a new and improved schoolhouse was needed to accommodate the growing number of students.

In 1868, the director of the Sub-district No. 8 School, George W. Harris, suggested that a new schoolhouse be constructed in his district just to the west of the original schoolhouse. Hence, in May of 1868, the Board of Education of Huron Township resolved that a tax would be levied on all of the property of Sub-district No. 8 in the amount of $500, and a tax would be levied on all the taxable property of the Township (village exempt) in the amount of $700 for the purpose of purchasing a lot, building a 24’ x 30’ brick schoolhouse, digging a well, and fencing the ground in Sub-district No. 8. By April of 1869, the new schoolhouse was well underway. Unfortunately, the $1,200 in taxes that was collected from the residents of Huron Township was not enough to complete the new schoolhouse. Therefore, the Board of Education levied another $900 tax. The new schoolhouse was likely ready for use by the fall of 1869.

In 1868, a vote was put to the people of Huron Township and Huron Village to decide whether or not to build a central high school. The voters in the township voted against the measure; however, the people of the village voted in favor of it. Though defeated in 1868, efforts to centralize the schools continued nonetheless. In 1886, Huron built a large school in the village on the corner of Williams and Shirley streets. The younger grades were composed primarily of students residing in the village, but high school students came from all over the township.

In the early 1900s, August Scheid was appointed director of the school in Sub-district No. 8. Mr. Scheid, who had several children in the district, was a strong proponent of centralized schools. In 1911, Mr. Scheid personally provided the means for children to be brought into the village for school by purchasing a bus to transport students from Sub-District No. 8 into Huron each day. Mrs. Scheid designed the bus, and it was manufactured in Sandusky. Further, the Scheid’s son, Lyndon, who was to attend Huron High School, would be the bus driver. Hence, the schoolhouse in Sub-district No. 8 was no longer in use after September of 1911. A few of the other one-room schoolhouses survived the centralization effort for a short time, but all eventually succumbed.

From 1911 until 1941, the schoolhouse in Sub-district No. 8 sat vacant, but was still under the ownership of the Huron Township Board of Education. During the 1930s, the owner of the land upon which the schoolhouse sat allowed their pigs to use the structure for shelter. The once lovely schoolhouse was now in shambles. In March of 1941, Thurman, Katherine, and Emory Fox purchased 196 acres of land, including Lot 9, from the People’s Loan and Savings Company. The People’s Loan and Savings Company had recovered the property in 1931 in a suit against August Scheid who owed them $47,535. The Fox family likely challenged the Board of Education of Huron Township for ownership of ‘the schoolhouse lot’ since the schoolhouse was obviously not in use as a school, and, therefore, the land upon which the schoolhouse sat was supposed to revert back to the land owner. In June of 1941, ‘the school house lot’, containing 0.65 acres, was subsequently sold to Dennis C. Fox. By the time Dennis Fox came into possession of the schoolhouse, all of the windows and doors were gone. Yet, Mr. Fox had a vision for the old schoolhouse which included rehabilitating it and making it his home. Since that time, many others have made improvements to the schoolhouse and have called it home, but yet have lovingly respected the house’s unique past.

NOTE: Historical Research Partners was hired in 2009 to research the history of this great schoolhouse, now a home.

Vaudeville and Kelleys Island, Ohio

2012-02-01T15:31:00.002-08:00

Toward the end of the 19th century, Kelleys Island was a playground for the wealthy, whose visits often lasted several weeks to several months of the summer. Many of these wealthy visitors to the island stayed at the Himmelein Hotel. The Himmelien, like other former hotels on the island, offered exclusive amenities that enticed the elite, such as third-floor accommodations for patron’s servants.

John Himmelein, born on the island in 1868 to hotel proprietors, Johann and Johanna Himmelein, helped with his family’s hotel until approximately 1886, when he left home to attend business college in Evansville, Indiana. Upon completion of his studies, John returned to the island to assist with the hotel operations. There, he was introduced to various Vaudevillian acting companies that lodged at the Himmelein Hotel during visits to the island to practice their repertoires. John’s growing intrigue with the entertainment industry would eventually lead to a new career.

In 1890, John left the family hotel business and began working with Howard Wall’s Ideals Stock Company as the company’s agent. Soon, Wall and Himmelein formed a partnership with Wall focusing on the shows and Himmelein focusing on the business. By the start of the 1892-1893 season, Howard Wall and John Himmelein had organized two complete acting companies, the Robert Wayne Theatrical Company, managed by John, and The Ideals, managed by Wall.

By December of 1892, Himmelein’s company was faltering, and John decided that he needed to hire a soubrette. He learned of a young actress named Bertha Wiles, whom he hired. Bertha Wiles, born in 1869 in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, graduated from the Cincinnati College of Music and first pursued an operatic career with the Spencer Opera Company of St. Louis. Using the stage name of "Beatrice Earle," Bertha soon expanded her repertoire and performed as a dramatic actress, comedian and vaudevillian. Her contributions to the Robert Wayne Theatrical Company, beginning in the 1893-1894 season, resulted in great success for John Himmelein and lead to a life-long partnership. On June 6, 1894, John and Bertha were married at the English Hotel in Indianapolis, after the company’s regular evening performance. By the start of the 1894-1895 season, John Himmelein had purchased Howard Wall’s company and thus began John A. Himmelein ‘s Imperial Stock Company, also known as The Ideals.

Despite his travels, John Himmelein never lost his love for Kelleys Island. In 1905, John and Bertha purchased a choice lakefront lot on the island and constructed a grand home. Bertha christened the home, Cricket Lodge, after one of her favorite stage portrayals from the children’s play, Fauchon The Cricket. While most of the year was spent traveling with their stock company, the Himmeleins always summered at Cricket Lodge.

On December 28, 1909, the Himmeleins only child, Dorothy, was born in Sandusky, Ohio. Thereafter, Bertha left the stage as a full-time actress. Also in 1909, John Himmelein began directing operations of his stock companies, then considered the largest stock-show operation in the country, from New York City. On November 28, 1930, Bertha gave her final stage performance as Mrs. Schultz in the Robertson Young Players rendition of Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch at the Sandusky Theater. However, despite her retirement from the professional stage, Bertha continued to entertain family and friends for the rest of her life. She was often known to begin performing at any given moment, an attribute much enjoyed by her grandchildren.

At the end of 1930, John Himmelein shut down his stock companies, and his reign as “King of the Repertoire” ended with the advent of the movies. Several of the theaters owned by the Himmeleins were subsequently converted to movie houses. In 1942, after 52 years in the theater business, John Himmelein officially retired.

Throughout his life, John Himmelein owned 10 stock companies, five of which were traveling companies, while the other five were permanent companies in Arizona, Colorado, Washington, Texas and Maryland. He also owned two theaters in Sandusky, one in Elyria, Ohio, and financed the building of a theatre in Tiffin, Ohio. In addition, he served as a Sandusky City Commissioner, an officer in Sandusky’s Commercial Bank, and as Vice President and Director of Sandusky’s Western Security Bank, which he helped to found. Bertha Himmelein was an accomplished singer and actress who garnered glowing reviews and was behind much of the success of her husband’s first stock company. On October 6, 1955, Bertha Himmelein died at the age of 86. John Himmelein died on July 23, 1956 at the age of 88.

After John Himmelein’s death, ownership of Cricket Lodge was passed to the Himmelein’s daughter, Dorothy Himmelein Sun. In 1984, a year after her husband’s death, Dorothy Sun sold her treasured family home to Frank and Christine Yako. In 1985, the Yakos opened the doors of their home as Cricket Lodge Bed and Breakfast. Over the past 26 seasons of operating the bed and breakfast, the Yakos have become year-round residents of Kelleys Island, welcomed guests who now return as long-time friends, and continue to host visitors to their fine, historic home. Throughout this time, the Yakos have always respected their lovely historic home and have embraced its history, while becoming part of its history themselves.

Photos of Cricket Lodge and the Himmeleins can be found on the Kelleys Island Historical Society's website: www.kelleysislandhistorical.org.