Digging Cincinnati History

The Anna Louise Inn - A Look at the Past

2013-05-17T11:03:00.000-04:00

With the announcement that the Anna Louise Inn will be moving from its historic location at Lytle Park this week, I decided to do some "digging" and share some newspaper articles from over the years. Click on the articles to be able to read them. Some articles are links to a pdf format. Enjoy!

Photo Source - http://www.cincinnativiews.net

Cincinnati Enquirer, June 1, 1909, pg. 15

Cincinnati Enquirer, June 6, 1909, pg. B8

Article from The Cincinnati Industrial Magazine, 1909

Cincinnati Enquirer, Nov. 13, 1910, pg. B8

Cincinnati Enquirer, Nov. 25, 1910, pg. 12

Cincinnati Enquirer, Dec. 25, 1910, pg. B8

Cincinnati Enquirer, June 1, 1911, pg. 3

Cincinnati Enquirer, July 5, 1911, pg. 2

Cincinnati Enquirer, Aug. 20, 1911, pg. B8

Cincinnati Enquirer, Nov. 5, 1911, pg. C2

Cincinnati Enquirer, Jan. 2, 1912, pg. 7

Cincinnati Enquirer, May 18, 1913, pg. C4

Cincinnati Enquirer, Nov. 2, 1913, pg. B2

Cincinnati Enquirer, Dec. 26, 1914, pg. 5

Cincinnati Enquirer, May 8, 1914, pg. 8

Cincinnati Enquirer, Dec. 18, 1914, pg. 5

Cincinnati Enquirer, Nov. 29, 1916, pg. 9

Cincinnati Enquirer, Feb. 9, 1917, pg. 2

Cincinnati Enquirer, Mar. 30, 1917, pg. 8

Cincinnati Times-Star, Jan. 29, 1934, pg. 15

Cincinnati Times-Star, Aug. 7, 1934, pg. 15

Anna Louise Inn Is Boon To Working Girl - Cincinnati Post, Apr. 1, 1941

New Chapel Dedicated At Anna Louise Inn - Cincinnati Enquirer, Dec. 11, 1951, pg. 2

Cincinnati Enquirer, May 3, 1955, pg. 12

Cincinnati Post, Sept. 3, 1979, pg. 11

Home Away From Home For Generations of Women - Cincinnat Post Times Star, Apr. 27, 1979, pg. 47

Anna Louise Inn Renovated - Cincinnati Post, May 21, 1991, pg. 3B

Cincinnati Post, July 8, 1993, pg. 7B

The Anna Louise Inn - Cincinnati Enquirer, Feb. 1, 1994, pg. C1

The Anna Louise Inn Turns 90 - Cincinnati Post, Jan. 4, 1999, pg. 1B

Cincinnati Herald, Oct. 16, 1999, pg. 6

Inn's Cookbook Tells Stories of Boardinghouse - Cincinnati Post, Jan. 16, 2002, pg. 1B

Cincinnati Enquirer, Aug. 27, 2009, pg. B3

A timeline of the Cincinnati Union Bethel can be found on their website and another book about the history of the Anna Louise Inn from 1909 to 1959 is available at the Cincinnati Museum Center Library. I hope you have enjoyed this look back at the history of the Anna Louise Inn!

This site serves as an educational and historical reference resource. It is intended only for educational use. The stories listed below are copyrighted by their respective publications and should not be used for any commercial purpose. They are provided for private use only.

Deutsche Evangelishe St Paulus Kirche - St. Paul's German Evangelical Church

2013-04-30T11:03:00.002-04:00

Wahrheit, Tugend, Freiheit

Truth, Virtue, Freedom

Photo by Digging Cincinnati History

These are the words inscribed on the church building at the corner of Race and 15th Streets in Over-the-Rhine. This building dates from 1850. Here is a brief history found on-line:

Now we must turn our attention back again to the North German Lutheran Church. Pastor Moelhnann, who had founded the congregation, and who had dedicated the church on Walnut Street early in 1840, died suddenly in May, 1840. Now came a sequence of successors of rather short duration. One of these was Heinrich Suhr, who was elected to the preacher's office in 1845 instead of his rival, Robert Clemen. This election led to another split, because the supporters of Clemen went their own way, and founded the German Evangelical St. Paul's congregation, the fifth German church in Cincinnati. However, on account of low salary, Mr. Clemen did not remain with the new congregation, and they also had a succession of short-duration preachers. After five years, during which the young congregation met in an old building on 2nd Street, they moved in 1851 into a new church on the corner of 15th and Race Streets in "Over-the-Rhine." Here they remained until the year 1948.
Finally, with the arrival of Gustav Eisenlohr (father of Hugo Eisenlohr who was later pastor of St. John's Church) in 1857, and Eduard Voss in 1879, lasting stability came to St. Paul's congregation.

There was a drugstore built into the bottom right side of the church as a way to pay for the construction of the building. More about the store and the family that ran it for many year can be read in a previous blog post.

Source

The rumor that the church never had a steeple is not true. As you can tell from the postcard above, the steeple did exist until 1890.

The Cincinnati Enquirer; Apr 12, 1890; pg. 8

By 1949, the congregation had merged with St. Peter's and became known as St. Peter and St. Paul United Church of Christ. They built a new building in Westwood and this one in Over-the-Rhine was sold to the Church of God of the Mountain Assembly, who retained ownership until 1974.

Centennial : St. Paul's Evangelical Protestant Church (congregational), Cincinnati, Ohio: February 6th to 11th, 1945. Cincinnati: s.n, 1945. Print.

After the sale in 1974, the church sat empty for many years and decay set in. The following pictures were taken by the Cincinnati Preservation Association (under their former name, the Miami Purchase Association), circa 1980's.

In 1999, efforts were made to fix the leaking roof and find another use for the building, but these plans never came to fruition. Further damage occurred to the steeple in 2008 from the hurricane force winds that affected much of our region. CityKin described much of the damage that occurred in Over-the-Rhine.

Source - CityKin

The steeple after the damaged part was removed. Photo by Digging Cincinnati History, December, 2011

Starting in 2010, 3CDC began stabilization work for the roof, which was collapsing. That work is now complete and the building waits for a new life. The following photos were taken by Photography for the People. Be sure you like them on Facebook to see more amazing pictures!

Before Sam Caldwell & Co - 118 East 9th

2013-04-20T12:05:00.000-04:00

A Facebook follower shared the following photo of 118 East 9th Street, in downtown Cincinnati:

Credit: A. Hartman

This small two story building is the only older building left on the north side of this block.

Source

It is often recognized by the painting on the side of building. The Hamilton County Auditor dates it to 1875, so I went off digging to find out more about Sam Caldwell & Company plus any more history that I could find. I took a look at the ownership card on the Auditor's website:

Sam Caldwell took ownership of the building in 1945. As can be seen in the photo above, Sam was a painter and decorator. He is most known for painting the outfield signs at Crosley Field. This sign was actually painted by his employee, Charles Keiger, who attended the Cincinnati Art Academy. Sam Caldwell passed away in 1965 and the building was sold in 1970 to a relative of the present owner.

But let's dig a little further back...

1887 Sanborn Insurance Map - Source

Prior to 1895, the address of this property was 18 West 9th Street. You see, Main Street used to be the dividing line through the city, but since 1895, Vine Street is used to determine the east and west sides. The large X over the building identifies it as a stable. Ah, so that is why the garage door is there today!

I started searching through the city directories and census records to find more information.

1870 US Census - Ancestry.com

H. R. Evers is listed in the 1870 directory as a coachman, living at 18 West 9th. He is also listed in the 1875 directory under the same occupation and address. In 1877, his wife Mary passed away and soon after, the Evers family moved away.

1880 US Census - Ancestry.com

In 1880, the city directory lists Morris Venia as a coachman at this address and the census lists him as a "hostler" - which is defined as one who takes care of horses and/or mules. The curious thing about the Venia family is that their name was spelled a variety of ways. When Morris passed away in 1898, his name was listed as Maurice Venie and when his wife Mary passed away in 1900, the surname was Vinet. This can be explained checking the census records, which lists Morris and Mary as unable to read or write.

After the deaths of Morris and Mary, the building was used as an office for veterinarian Louis P. Cook, who was also an inspector for the U.S. Bureau of Animal Industry.

1910 US Census - Ancestry.com

In 1905 and 1910, Nelson Tribue worked as a butler and lived here. By 1912, the building once again has a commercial use, the Prest-O-Lite Company. This company originally was founded in Indianapolis and created acetylene gas powered lights for automobiles before the invention of electric lights. As you can imagine, dealing with compressed gas in 1912 was a danergous business and in 1912, there was an explosion at 118 East 9th Street:

The Cincinnati Enquirer; May 9, 1912; p. 16
Click to read full article

Despite this catastrophe, Prest-O-Lite remained in business at the location until at least 1917, changing their business to include batteries for autos. However, in the directories, they were also listed as having welding supplies.

The Cincinnati Enquirer; Sep 9, 1917; pg. 21

1904-1930 Sanborn Insurance Map - Source

Going from horse stable to autos seems like a natural progression. After Prest-O-Lite came Foster's Garage in 1918 and Grosse Auto Repair in 1920.

The Cincinnati Enquirer; Apr 28, 1918; p. A14

The Cincinnati Enquirer; Dec 4, 1921; p. A12

By 1925, welding returned to 118 East 9th Street with Benz-Welsh Welding Company. Also listed in the directory was Fred Gage, storage batteries, and Vass Electric Company. Few changes occurred over the next 15 years, with 1940 bringing a live bait shop to the building in addition to welding and electric.

We have come full circle, with Sam Caldwell who purchased the building in 1945 for his painting business. Presently, it has been owned by the same family since 1970, however, I am unsure of its current use. But Sam Caldwell's paint sign remains on the front of the building.

OTR Ghost Sign Reveals Shadows of the Past

2013-04-05T21:01:00.000-04:00

The inspiration for the post came from a picture of a "ghost" sign that was uncovered when renovations began at 1504 Race Street in Over-the-Rhine.

Source - Urban Expansion

I could make out just enough of this sign to start digging. I see the name "Burton" and "Furniture"...

1504 Race Street before the ghost sign unveiling.
Source - Urban Expansion

According to the Hamilton County Auditor's website, this building was constructed in 1895 but it appears by checking the Sanborn Insurance Maps that it existed by 1887. At that time, the address was 534 Race Street.

1887 Sanborn Insurance Map - Source

It is interesting to me that the building is labeled as a tenement, since tenement buildings are usually three or more stories tall. The city directories helped me date the building to around 1875 when the address first shows up. At that time, H. Meyer, who was a merchant tailor, lived here and along with Henry Baer, who was working as a clerk.

1880 US Census - click to enlarge
Source - ancestry.com

From the above census record, you can see by 1880 the Gentert/Guentert family lived here. The father, Edward, from Baden (now a part of Germany), is listed as a notions & candy storekeeper, although in the same year, the city directory lists his occupation as a "cutter". His daughter, Josephine, is also working as a saleslady in a notions store and the city directory lists her job as a confectioner - a candy maker. The Gentert family has a total of eight persons, with six children between the ages of 3 and 18 years old.

Also living in the building was George Maurer, born in Ohio of parents of German descent, and his wife, Catherine Barbara, born in Wurtemberg. George worked as a presser for a tailor, but they are not listed in the city directory for this address.

1891 Sanborn Insurance Map - Source

Well, no "Burton" in the 1880's, so I kept on digging...

1885

Meyer Fred, driver, h. 534 Race

1890

Parker John, janitor, h. 534 Race

1895

Koll Emil, piano tuner, n.e.c. 4th and Elm, h. 534 Race nr 15th

1900

Bolz Fred, piano tuner, h, 1504 Race

Cattau August, merchant tailor, 1504 Race

" Henry, tailor, h. 1504 Race

1905

Cattau August mer tailor 1504 Race

—Henry tailor h 1504 Race

Smith Robt C (Ryan & S) 234 W 3d h 1504 Race

1900 US Census - click to enlarge
Source - ancestry.com

Starting around 1910, Carl Heger began selling sewing machines from this location but he did not live here until he shows up in the 1920 census. The living spaces continued to be rented to various families through the years.

1910

Heger Carl sewing machines 1504 Race

Smith Robt C plumber 1504 Race

1915

Adams Maria wid Robt h 1504 Race

Heger Carl sewing machines 1504 Race res Norwood

Smith Robt C plumber h 1504 Race

1920 US Census - click to enlarge
Source - ancestry.com

1920

Heger Carl sewing machines 1504 Race

" Chas, U S N h 1504 Race

Smith Robt C clk rm 303, 528 Walnut h 1504 Race

1925

1504 Heger Carl sewing machine

1504 Smith Harriet

Cincinnati Enquirer; Dec 28, 1913;

1904-1930 Sanborn Insurance Map - Source

1930-31

1504 Richter Robt S plumbing supplies

1504 Volz Walter J plumber

1504 Metz Edward A

1935

1504 Strohmaier Edward (Hertel & Strohmaier) 1500 Race h 1504 Race (Hertel & Strohmaier was a restaurant)

Finally, in 1940, "Burton" finally reveals his identity: Oscar Burton is listed in the city directory as running a used furniture store at 1504 Race Street. Taking a look at the other "ghost sign" on the left side of the building, it appears he also did some moving and hauling for his clients.

Source - Urban Expansion

The third "ghost sign" in the middle reveals that 1504 Race Street had also once been a thrift shop, but I am unable to pin down the exact dates for it.

Meanwhile, this building is being rehabbed by Chris Reckman of Urban Expansion and by the looks of the pictures, it has been one heck of a job! (Thanks for the use of your photos, too.)

Thanks, Chris, for saving and renovating another treasure of Over-the-Rhine. I can't wait to see the finished product!

The Story of a Potter and His Buildings

2013-03-27T00:13:00.002-04:00

This is the story of a potter and the two buildings which remain in Cincinnati that were part of his life.

312 Main Street - Courtesy of Tim Jeffries

As you may be able to decipher, this building on Main Street, just north of Third, has a monogram on the top. The letters are CEB, for Christian E. Brockmann, who, as the title suggests, was a potter. He was born in Germany, July 4, 1834 and arrived in Cincinnati around 1848. He founded and owned The Brockmann Pottery Company, which was located on Richmond Street in the West End but is no longer standing.

1891 Sanborn Insurance Map showing The Brockman Pottery Co on Richmond Street
Source

While the pottery was made in the West End, it was sold in downtown, first at two other locations on Main Street. But in 1880, Brockmann had this building at present-day 312-314 Main Street built for his retail shop. The address then was 110-112 Main Street, before the city-wide street renumbering of 1895-1896.

312 Main Street is the building at center

Dating the building to 1880 was pretty easy, since Mr. Brockmann was kind enough to stick the date right on the building. I love it when they did this. It makes my job much easier!

Courtesy of Tim Jeffries

Over the years, Mr. Brockmann also sold other items at his store, as shown in the city directories.
1882

BROCKMANN C . E . , Importer and Dealer in Crockery, Glass and China, Fancy Goods, Toys, &c, 110 and 112 Main; Residence Pleasant Ridge, O

110-112 Main Street - 1887 Sanborn Insurance Map - Source

1891 Sanborn Map - Source

1904-1930 Sanborn Insurance Map - Source

1904-1950 Sanborn Insurance Map - Source

2013 CAGIS Map

The following description of the company is from Marks of American Potters, published in 1904.

Messrs Tempest, Brockmann & Co established a pottery in Cincinnati Ohio in 1862. In 1881 the name was changed to the Tempest, Brockmann & Sampson Pottery Co and in 1887 The Brockmann Pottery Co was organized by Mr C.E. Brockmann. The present products are cream and white granite wares. The earliest mark of this establishment was the English lion and unicorn with the T.B. & Co beneath. Since 1887 the same mark has been employed for C.C. ware with the letters B.P. Co. On white granite the same device is used with the addition of words "Warranted Best Ironstone China".

Marks from the book noted above.

And the store was described in Leading Manufacturers and Merchants of Cincinnati and Environs, published in 1886:

C. E. Brockmann, Importer of and Dealer in China, Glass, and Queens Ware, etc., Nos. 110 and 112 Main Street.—A prominent business house engaged in handling, both wholesale and retail, foreign and domestic manufactured crockery, glassware, and other kindred goods is that of Messrs. C. E. Brockmann... This is a five-story building, with a frontage of 24 feet and a depth of 100 feet. In addition to this, Mr. Brockmann occupies a four-story warehouse, 24x100 feet in dimensions, No. 15 Hammond street, rear of store on Main street. The salesrooms in the store are neatly fitted up, while the display of wares is particularly complete and choice, and the general stock is as large as the wares are rare and beautiful. All goods are of Mr. Brockmann's own importation or come direct from manufacturers. Special departments are here for pottery and glassware of English, French, Dresden, Canton, Silesian, Japanese, and Faience manufacture; French, Bohemian, Baccarat, Crystal, English, and American, table glassware, queensware in great variety, silverplated ware, and a general line of necessary and fancy wares.

As for C.E. Brockmann, the following was written about him in 1904, in Centennial History of Cincinnati and Representative Citizens, by Charles Theodore Greve.

The death of Christian Brockmann at his handsome residence on Montgomery avenue, Pleasant Ridge, in the summer of 1903, removed one of the pioneer business men of Cincinnati. Mr. Brockmann was born in Germany, July 4, 1834, but had been a resident of this city since the age of 14 years.

While Mr. Brockmann was prominently associated with the various interests of Cincinnati, he will be best remembered by the business world as the founder and owner of The Brockmann Pottery Company, whose manufacturing plant is located on Richmond street, and whose retail establishment is at No. 312 Main street. His name was identified with many of the leading German institutions of the city, and he was always prominent in supporting their charities. His industry and perseverance, with consequent success, offer an example to those who follow in the paths already made smooth by the pioneers, of whom he was an example. Coming to Cincinnati a lad in 1848, he had little to depend upon except his own efforts, and that they were directed in the right direction is evidenced by the large estate he acquired and the honor and esteem in which he was universally held.

Mr. Brockmann married Josephine M. Ries, who still survives, with these children: Christian F., who is the manager of the Brockmann Pottery Company; Philip E.; Edward, who is connected with the pottery; Herbert W.; Mrs. I. Arnold, of Chicago; and Mrs. R. Ross Whiting, whose husband is a member of The Whiting View Company of Cincinnati.

While Mr. Brockmann had been in poor health for many months, his death was not expected, and came to his family and friends as a great calamity. It is hard to realize that one so kind and thoughtful, so necessary to the happiness of others, so useful in many avenues, should now be but a dear memory.

After his death, the store on Main Street closed, and from 1905 until 1918, The F.A. Schwill & Son Company had a retail store, selling glassware, hotel and restaurant china, and bottlers' supplies. In 1918, The Cincinnati Auto Specialty Manufacturing Company took over the building. They made various seat covers and other specialty parts for the emerging auto business.

Ad from the Cincinnati Enquirer, May 28, 1919

Ad from the Cincinnati Enquirer, May 2, 1920

By 1930, The Main Supply Company was now in the building and they sold electrical supplies and in 1940, plumbing supplies. They remained owners of the building until 1946. It appears since then, it has been used for various retail establishments and possibly office and/or apartment rentals. It is currently owned by CBD Holdings, Inc., which is part of 3CDC. They were awarded historic tax credits to rehab this building along with 308-316 Main Street. Plans are for street-level retail and condominiums for the upper floors.

But remember I said this was the story of two buildings? It just so happens that before Mr. Brockmann lived in Pleasant Ridge, he built another home at present-day 1418 Elm Street in Over-the-Rhine.

1418 Elm Street at center - currently owned by OTR Holding, Inc.

After Mr. Brockmann moved his family to Pleasant Ridge, the Elm Street home became rental property, with various tenants over the years:

1885

Fishwick Geo. T. salesman, 26 W. 4th, h. 480 Elm

Hervey Lizzie R. teacher, h. 480 Elm

Hervey Samuel H. trav. salesman, h. 480 Elm

1890

Hilton John, foreman, h. 480 Elm

Stephenson C. C. foreman. The Standard Harness Co. h. 480 Elm

Williams Geo. F. painter, h. 480 Elm

1895

Gers Josie, domestic, h. 480 Elm Opp. Magnolia

Green Sarah, A. wid. Ezekiel, h. 480 Elm opp. Magnolia

“Wm. E. salesman, Smith & Nixon's, h. 480 Elm opp. Magnolia

Smith Stephen M. trav.salesman, s.e.c. 2d and Walnut, h. 480 Elm nr 15th

1900

Berger W. R. student, bds. 1418 Elm

Golden Geo. W. clk. 711 Race, bds. 1418 Elm

Hoffman Frank, with The Interstate Advertising Co. of Pittsburg, room 55, 448 Main, h. 1418 Elm

Justice Carrie L. b. h. 1418 Elm

Salt Wm. driver, bds. 1418 Elm

Kirker Prank K. engineer, bds,. 1418 Elm

Morse C B. trav.salesman, bds. 1418 Elm

1905

Flinn Wm S principal W H Morgan School h 1418 Elm

Gorman —Robt carp rms 1418 Elm

Justice Carrie L boarding 1418 Elm

Mendenhall Edward painter bds 1418 Elm

Golden Geo W clk 711 Race bds 1418 Elm

Rick Frank stockkpr 408 Pioneer h 1418 Elm

Stehle Lillie saleslady 1533 Elm rms 1418 Elm

Morse C E (C E M & Co) 4 Allen Bldg bds 1418 Elm

Watson David lab bds 1418 Elm

Boarding House - Justice Carrie L 1418 Elm

1910

Beck Wm I carp rms 1418 Elm

Bennett Millard clk 1523 Plum rms 1418 Elm

Donley John paperhgr rms 1418 Elm

Geiger Anton clk 275 W McMicken Av h 1418 Elm

“Otto meatctr rms 1418 Elm

Heidel Earl wrapper h 1418 Elm

“ Jos M h 1418 Elm

Mueller Fabricuis Victor actor rms 1418 Elm

Weinkam Anna hair work h 1418 Elm

1920

Barrett Mrs Catherine furnished rooms 1418 Elm

Beckner Valentine mach rms 1418 Elm

Kammerdiener Jacob helper h 1418 Elm

Schoeck Henry foreman The Storrs-Schaefer Co rms 1418 Elm

Meford Todd C painter rms 1418 Elm

Parson Thos clk rms 1418 Elm

Schendel Julius tailor rms 1418 Elm

Thomas Roy J hatter rms 1418 Elm

1930-31

1418 Beckner Kate fum rms

1418 Bonta Julius

Beckner Mrs Kate furnished rooms 1418 Elm

Bonta Julius mach op h 1418 Elm

Bulger John clk Ry Ex Agcy rms 1418 Elm

Hall Paul rms 1418 Elm

Kent R W salesman rms 1418 Elm

McIntyre John J fireman rms 1418 Elm

Shuse Guy rms 1418 Elm

The building is currently vacant but is owned by OTR Holdings, Inc., also part of 3CDC and is held as part of their land bank for future development.

Remnants of Bruckmann Brewery Company

2013-03-21T01:30:00.003-04:00

A Facebook follower and wonderful photographer sent me the following photo and asked if I knew anything about it:

Photo courtesy of Tim Jeffries

Of course, I went off digging and this was actually a pretty easy find. The Bruckmann Brewery is pretty well documented on the web.

In 1856, Frederick Bruckmann started the Cumminsville Brewery near the corner of present day Ludlow Avenue and Central Parkway. Of course, Frederick came from Bavaria, Germany around 1847 and was joined by his brother, Johan (John) Casper, who had been a barrel maker. The hops were grown on their own land near the brewery.

Eventually, J.C. bought out his brother and after his death in 1887, ownership transferred to his sons, William, John and Henry. The company was called The John C. Bruckmann Brewing Company and shortened to Bruckmann Brewing Co. until prohibition. Being one of very few breweries to remain open during prohibition by producing "Aristocrat Cereal Beverage" (a near beer) along with other non-alcoholic beverages, the company was called The Bruckmann Beverage & Products Company. Since the brewery was already open when prohibtion was repealed, they were the first brewery in Cincinnati to ship beer at 12:01 am on April 7, 1933.

Source

Demand became great enough that they were able to purchase another plant on at 2960/2974 Spring Grove Avenue. In 1949, the Ludlow Avenue plant was sold to The Herschel Condon Brewing Company but it only lasted one year. Luckily, several buildings remain from the complex - an old farmhouse, the brewhouse built in 1856, a cellar building, a bottling plant and a power plant, whose chimney now reads "Worthmore".

(This website was my source for the brewery information. They also make really cool lamps from old beer bottles!)

So I wanted to compare maps to see what exactly remains. Click on any of the maps to enlarge.

1891 Sanborn Insurance Map - Source
The canal can be seen just across from the plant.

Close-up of the 1891 map. Click to enlarge.

1904 Sanborn Insurance Map - Source
Check out how Central Parkway follows the old canal route.

Close-up of 1904 map.

1904-1930 Sanborn Insurance Map - Source
Part of the Rapid Transit System (the subway) can be seen at the top.

Close-up of 1904-1930 map. The bottling plant has been added on Streng Street.

1904-1950 Sanborn Insurance Map - Source
More details of the Rapid Transit System (the subway) can again be seen.

Close-up of 1904-1950 map.

2013 CAGIS Map
I-75 follows the Rapid Transit System path.

Close-up of 2013 CAGIS map
1297 Streng Street. 1029 Ludlow Avenue, 1021 Ludlow Avenue, 1212 Streng Street are the remaining buildings.
An additional building at 1260 Streng Street was added after 1950 and is not part of the brewery complex.
Also notice Streng Street was re-routed to begin at Ludlow Avenue instead of its original start at Colerain Avenue which was cut off with the creation of I-75.

Photo by nevelo
Power Plant

Photo by nevelo

Photo by nevelo
Original malt, fermenting and brew house

Google Street View of the Bottling Plant
Two old houses can also been seen on right, the last remnants of the original Streng Street.

Google Street View of the Cellar Building

A Furrier's Fine Family Home - Edgewood

2013-03-06T00:23:00.001-05:00

Another home built by Samuel Hannaford and Sons and one the National Register as a result, a reader asked about this home recently.

400 Forest Avenue, Avondale
Hamilton County Auditor , 2005

This home was built in 1887, although according to a newspaper article in 1883, the original 16 acres of land was purchased in that year for $36,000. The purchaser was Adam Edward Burkhardt, an immigrant from Germany, who owned a successful fur business.

The following biography was written in 1875 in the book, Ohio, the Future Great State: Her Manufacturers, and a History of Her Commercial Cities, Cincinnati and Cleveland:

A Man who, from an humble position and by his own efforts, has risen to affluence and social position, and through all the events of a checkered life has preserved his integrity unimpeached, well deserves the pen of the historian, and to be held up as a model to posterity.

A. K. BURKHARDT was born in Herschberg, near Zweibriicken, Rhenish provinces, Bavaria, April 26. 1845, and is, therefore, in his thirty-first year. When ten years old, his father died, and he, with his mother and sister, embarked for America the same year, settling with them in Cincinnati immediately after their arrival. In three and a half years after he lost his mother, so, at the age of thirteen, he, with his sister, were left orphans. Mr. Burkhardt attended school in Germany when only six years old, and continued his education in the public-schools of Cincinnati till his mother's death, which occurred in 1859; after which, he entered the employ of Mitchell & Rammelsberg as errand boy at a salary of one dollar per week. This position he occupied only three months, and left to better himself pecuniarily, having received an offer of one dollar and fifty cents per week from Jacob Theis, retail hatter and furrier; and here was has first step that has resulted in his present colossal business. Commencing at the lowest possible position, he gradually promoted himself by his strict attention to the duties imposed upon him, till after a few years we find him occupying the loftiest position within the gift of his employer, and a fitting reward for his zealous fidelity to his employer's interests. This position he continued until January, 1867, at which time himself and brother-in-law, F. B. Burkhardt, bought out the business from Mr. Theis. The subject of this sketch assumed sole management.

What success has attended his exertions and shrewd business management is apodictical to us all, for there are few among our readers who do not know Mr. Burkhardt personally or by reputation as taking the lead in the art as hatter and furrier. His business so soon increased that the demand for more capacious accommodations resulted in his leasing the new and spacious salesrooms at 113 West Fourth Street (Mitchell's Block), where he caters to the wants of his customers, though he still keeps the old stand on Main Street. A. E. Burkhardt & Co. are also large exporters of raw skins, their principal shipping-points being Leipzic and London. They receive consignments from every State in the Union, British and South Americas, and have over three thousand correspondents.

On March 1, 1871, Mr. B. was joined in wedlock to Miss Emma Amanda, the only daughter of our distinguished fellow-citizen, Andrew Erkenbrecher, Esq., and we need not add that the result has been a happy one. He has been successful in all of his business pursuits, from a rare combination of industry and judgment, and has gained the confidence and respect of the whole community by at all times exhibiting a rectitude of character which never wavered from a proper direction. He can enjoy the fruit of the seed he has sown, whilst his nature is susceptible of enjoyment, and the stamina of life have not weakened and decayed. He has all the elements of happiness within his reach, and they are of his own creation.

The A.E. Burkhardt Home is on the left. Source - cincinnativiews.net

Cincinnati Enquirer; Feb 11, 1892; Pg. 5

At Edgewood,

Brilliant Reception in Avondale

Mrs. A. E. Burkhardt Entertains Charmingly

In Honor of Her Niece, Miss Clara Erkenbrecher

In all of Avondale there is no place more beautiful than Edgewood, the home of Mrs. A.E. Burkhardt, and in all the annals of Cincinnati’s social history no reception has excelled in sumptuous appointment the one she gave yesterday to meet her niece, Miss Clara Erkenbrecher. The house of stone is built on the edge of one of the most picturesque woods in the Ohio valley and has a far-away view from every outlook.

The interior is of royal magnificence, with its rare painting and statuary pieces from the A. T. Stewart collection, bric-a-brac picked up at intervals in Europe, and an abundant wealth of the floral world filled the house with delicious perfume and added to the general gorgeous effect.

The drawing room, furnished in white and gold, was lavishly decorated with bowls of pink and white roses.

The hall was gorgeous in red: half way upstairs beneath a superb stained-glass window was a floral window seat in yellow tulips. The library across from the drawing room was a picture in yellow. The high shelves of the mantel were heaped with the golden flowers of spring and across the top of the long book-case were massed the same lovely flowers in riotous profusion.

The rooms above the stairs were greatly admired, especially the Moorish room, and Mr. Albert Erkenbrecher’s bachelor quarters on the third floor. A full orchestra was stationed near the stairs, and discoursed the brightest and latest of operatic and dance music…

But the prettiest place in all the house was the dining room, a dream in green and white, and everybody was lost in admiration. The mantel was banked high in white Roman hyacinths, tulips and maiden-hair hyacinths and maiden-hair ferns…

This photo from The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden book, published in 2010, shows the detail on the porch of the A. E. Burkhardt home. - Source

Cincinnati Enquirer, Aug 3, 1902; pg. 8

As noted in the article above, in 1902 the Burkhardt home was for sale, and when no willing buyer was interested, it was sold at a sheriff's sale for half of its value. It was just two years later, when then-owner Joseph Joseph passed away. However, the home remained with his wife until 1919, when their son Arthur Joseph took ownership. Arthur and his wife Florence owned the home until 1936 when Robert H. Gibson bought the home.

It eventually became a nursing home but now stands empty and decaying. In 2005, a neighbor bought the home to protect their investment and with hopes that someone would buy it and fix it up. However, this has not yet happened. I am not aware if the home is still for sale. It was condemned by city order in 2011.

This photo was taken while the home was being used as a nursing home. Source

The home is described as "a Large scale, asymmetrical, two-and-a-half story random rock-faced ashlar building. It is distinguished by a large gable end, stone porch, and corner turret with conical slate cap and finial. The front façade is marked by a projecting boxed gable end enclosing a dentilled cornice, elaborate stone embellishments around a man’s head, and a group of five, twenty-over-one windows with arched lintels… Architecturally, it incorporates elements from the Victorian, Queen Anne, and Romanesque styles." Source

Source

West End Theater - Casino/Regal

2013-02-17T16:08:00.002-05:00

Cincinnati has a West End, just like London, England, and our West End has theaters, but ours are in need of some attention. Like this one:

Photo by Photography for the People

This is commonly known now as the Regal Theater but it was originally built as the Casino Theater in 1913.

Cincinnati Enquirer; Nov 9, 1913; pg. 16

A combination of the vaudeville, dramatic and photo-play house is to be built at the northwest corner of Clark and Linn streets by the Casino Theater Company, which recently closed deals for the purchase of several parcels at the intersection, including the old plant of the Ackerman-Busch Livery Company.

Plans for the theater, to contain 1,500 seats, which includes a balcony arrangement, are now being made by Architects Zettel & Rapp, and indications point to letting of the contracts before the end of another two weeks. The improvement, including the ground, will represent an outlay of close to $125,000. It will be 90x100 feet and the exterior will have the tapestry effect, done in brick. The feature of the improvement, from the outside, will be a dome, over the main entrance, which will be finished in gold and green tile. The stage will be 25x90 feet, and will be arranged for vaudeville stunts and small theatrical performances. The proscenium opening will be 38 feet. J. J. Shelvin, of the Provident Building, will be the principal representative of the company, acting for a party of local capitalists who will not be active in its management. - Cincinnati Enquirer; Nov 9, 1913; pg. 16

1904-1930 Sanborn Map - Source

In the 1940's, the theater was purchased by the Goldman family and they ran it until its closing in 1996. The balcony was changed into two more screens, but the main floor screen and fly space remained. I found this quote on cinematreasures.org:

My Dad managed this place in the early 90s for Gary Goldman until the day they shut it down, the neighborhood largely ruined a lot of the splendor the building had along with the fact that business was on the decline and the money wasn't there to do proper maintenance at the time. The neighborhood and clientele were a little more dangerous then than they would be now.

I’m afraid there is no pipe organ in there. There’s a reasonably large stage, a dressing room or two, a decent sized basement are under the stage, a very small orchestra pit in front. In the early 90s the balcony was converted into two more screens.

It ran mostly second run with the occasional first run picture and had the best steamed hot dogs and metts you could get in Cincinnati...

According to a post on the same website, in 2010, Dixon Edward, a former NFL football player who grew up in Cincinnati, was the owner and was looking for ways to restore the property. Nothing has occurred with the building in recent history. It has been owned by the same company, Casino Theater Cincinnati, LLC, based in Irving, Texas, since 2002.

Close up of the detail. CASINO can be seen in each of the arches. Source

Side note - I found the comparison in the following maps dramatic. So much has changed in this neighborhood over the last 100 years.

Click to enlarge. 1904-1930 Sanborn Map - Source

Click to enlarge, 2013 CAGIS Map - Source

Before Cutter Playground

2013-02-14T01:30:00.001-05:00

The Over-the-Rhine Blog mentioned my blog in their posting, Over-the-Rhine Streets of Yesteryear. The author was wondering what happened to the block north of Woodward Street between Sycamore and Broadway streets that is now the Cutter Playground. So I did some digging...

CAGIS Aerial 2011 - Source

As you can imagine in a dense neighborhood as Over-the-Rhine, this block was not originally left as vacant land for a park. This block was filled with businesses, tenements and single family homes. You can see the remnants on the property map below:

CAGIS 2013 map showing property lines. The vacated portion of Woodward Street is clearly seen, along with the property lines of smaller parcels. - Source

1887 Sanborn Insurance Map - Source

I searched for older maps that showed even more information. On the above map, you can see just how dense a block it was in 1887. At the southwest corner of Sycamore and Franklin Streets (now Woodward Street) was The Franklin Furniture Company. You can also see the houses that surrounded the old Woodward High School building, which was actually the second building for the school. The first building was built on land donated by William Woodward and his wife, Abigail Cutter Woodward.

This school was built in 1855, the second school building on this lot. It was demolished in 1907 to make way for a new school building. - Source

1891 Sanborn Insurance Map - Source
Not many changes from 1887

In 1910, the "new" Woodward High School was opened. When this building was built, buildings to the east and west were demolished. According to a Cincinnati Enquirer article from 1907, it cost the Board of Education $100,000 to obtain this extra land.

1904-1930 Sanborn Insurance Map - Source
If you look closely, you can see the old parcels underneath the "new" school building. These same maps were updated every year with any changes that occurred.

1949 Aerial Photo of Woodward High School and the block just north before the buildings were demolished for the Cutter Playground. - Source

As early as 1936, conversations began on the need for a playground to serve five schools in the area. The talks continued in 1951 and debate was started on whether the block north or south of Woodward High School should be demolished for the playground. Either block would cause a street to be vacated. By 1956, plans were finalized for the north block to be the site of the playground and fifteen buildings were demolished.

The caption reads: " For the healtier minds and sounder bodies of children of the densely populated downtown district, Cincinnati is clearing away part of the past... Fifteen buildings made way for Woodward Playfield north of Old Woodward High School. This view was taken from Sycamore Street looking east on East 14th Street.
Cincinnati Enquirer; August 27, 1955

Woodward High School moved to Bond Hill in 1953 and the Over-the-Rhine school building became Abigail Cutter Junior High School. The playground was also renamed to match the school. While the building changed once again in 1977 to the School for the Creative and Performing Arts, the Cutter name stayed with the playground to the present.

Cutter Playground - Source

Mount Storm - Estate and Park

2013-02-10T14:02:00.000-05:00

At the suggestion of a follower, I have been working on the history of Mount Storm park in Clifton. This park was established in 1912 and sits on Lafayette Avenue.

Source

Originally this land was purchased in 1845 by Robert B. Bowler, who was born in Rhode Island in 1803. He moved to Cincinnati as a young man and began a dry good business on Pearl Street. He married Susan Louisa Pendleton, daughter of Nathaniel Greene Pendleton. His business was successful with the help of his brother-in-law, Elliott Hunt Pendleton and eventually Robert left the business to Elliott to pursue his interest in the Kentucky Central Railroad.

The following was written about the home in the Cincinnati Enquirer on January 13, 1917.

Many years ago, when East Fourth and Pike streets were the centers of the exclusive residential district of the city, Robert Bonner Bowler desired for his family a summer home “in the country.” In 1845 he purchased from Lafayette Bond the Mt. Storm site. A small frame house was erected. Ere long the Bowler family fell in love with the wonderful place from which an awe-inspiring view may be had. It was decided to make the spot a place of residence throughout the year.

It was then that Robert Bowler sought the aid of Strass, a famous European landscape gardener. Strass (Adolph Strauch) was employed to arrange the splendid gardens of Mt. Storm.

Strass it was who planned Spring Grove Cemetery after he had finished his task at Mt. Storm.

Lakes were a part of the landscape plans. Mr. Bowler sent abroad for swans to grace the water views. It was then that the first Australian swans were brought to the United States. Descendants of this same family of swans are those seen in the summer at Spring Grove.

Adolph Strauch was from Vienna, Austria and the former supervisor of the Imperial Gardens there. His work at the Bowler estate, named Mount Storm by Robert Bowler, occurred in 1850.

1847 Hamilton County Map - Source

1856 Hamilton County Map - Source

1869 Titus Map - Source

However, tragedy struck the Bowler family on July 4, 1864, when Robert Bowler was struck by an omnibus and killed. The home remained with his wife while she raised their children. If you look at the 1870 Census below (click for a larger view), you can see she had lots of help. There are 11 servants, maids and other household help listed!

1870 Census - Source

Susan Pendleton Bowler passed away in 1877 and ownership of the house and land were given to her children. Robert Bowler, Jr. eventually bought out his siblings and became the sole owner of Mount Storm. He married Alice Williamson and they had two daughters, Jane and Alice. Robert Jr. became Comptroller of the Treasury under President Grover Cleveland and once served as the Mayor of Clifton before annexation to Cincinnati.

Here is a description of the home from the Cincinnati Enquirer, December 17, 1880

“Mount Storm” is the lovely and beautiful home of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bowler, in our handsomest suburb, Clifton. It is the old family mansion of the Bowler family. The old English home, odd in share and architecture, but spacious, with wide corridors, reception, and drawing-rooms, its little “lodge” at the gate, the wonderful conservatory and the magnificent grounds surrounding all are familiar to most Cincinnatians. They are familiar, because the gates of this aristocratic home are never closed, and every visitor who drives to Clifton “takes a turn” through the broad avenues of the grounds to get a glimpse of the beautiful views of the valley below, as well as to look at the velvety lawns, the rare plants and flowers in the conservatory or the statuary in the alcoves. This attractive place was a scene last evening of great brilliancy for the fashion, beauty and elegance of our Queen City and suburbs were gathered there…

The brilliant gas jets of parlor and hallways were reflected in the rich stained glass with which many of the windows were filled, and the prism’d gleams of light lent their aid in rendering a kaleidoscope of wondrous beauty… The entire residence was most lavishly decorated with rare plants, bright flowers and buds, exotics, evergreens and smilax, the perfume of which filled the air.

Tragedy again struck the Bowler family when Robert, Jr. passed away in 1902 at the age 46 from heart problems. Alice and the girls remained at the home until 1911, when she sold the property, including the house to the City of Cincinnati for a park.

Before leaving the home, Alice had the tiles that lined the floor of the great hall removed and installed in the chancel floor (the space around the altar) at Calvary Church in Clifton, which had been their family's place of worship for three generations.

The house was used for various social gatherings from 1912 to 1916. The house had a caretaker, known as "Old Pat" who lived on the property until his death in 1916. Without a watchful eye, the house began to be used for "trysting" place and other social ills. Plans were made for its demolition.

Here is the article above from the Cincinnati Enquirer, January 13, 1917, with rarely seen pictures of Mount Storm:

City, Blind To Sentiment, Plans To Raze Bowler Mansion; Shelter House To Rise Where Stood Edward, King of England
Walls that have sheltered a King; that have looked upon joy and sorrow alike, are about the be razed by a hand to which sentiment is a stranger.
The old Bowler mansion, Mt. Storm, Clifton, soon is to be but a memory.
The magnificent grounds upon which the stately old pile stands were sold to the city of Cincinnati in 1911 for park purposes. It is, in part, with the thought of gaining more space for that purpose that Cincinnati’s beautiful landmark is to be destroyed. Then, too, a shelter house is to be built where now stand beauty!
Many years ago, when East Fourth and Pike streets were the centers of the exclusive residential district of the city, Robert Bonner Bowler desired for his family a summer home “in the country.” In 1845 he purchased from Lafayette Bond the Mt. Storm site. A small frame house was erected. Ere long the Bowler family fell in love with the wonderful place from which an awe-inspiring view may be had. It was decided to make the spot a place of residence throughout the year.
It was then that Robert Bowler sought the aid of Strass, a famous European landscape gardener. Strass was employed to arrange the splendid gardens of Mt. Storm.
Strass it was who planned Spring Grove Cemetery after he had finished his task at Mt. Storm.
Lakes were a part of the landscape plans. Mr. Bowler sent abroad for swans to grace the water views. It was then that the first Australian swans were brought to the United States. Descendants of this same family of swans are those seen in the summer at Spring Grove.
The Bowler place is best described, perhaps, as being typical of the English country gentleman’s abode.
The interior of the mansion was noted for its conservatory and fountains, about which, under a roof of glass, birds of many kinds winged and trilled their way.
In its high-ceiled rooms men and women of the purple danced to the music of long ago.
In 1860 the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII, visited the United States. He came to Cincinnati and was a guest at Mt. Storm. Upon his return to England he sent to Mr. Bowler a picture of himself. Accompanying it was a letter, in which was expressed the royal appreciation of the visit to the Bowler home.
Tradition has it that Charles Dickens, the novelist, was among those entertained at a brilliant affair given by the Bowlers.
More years, and the home again was improved – a conservatory and wings and a beautiful tower were added.
When the mansion was being built Mr. Bowler’s attention was attracted by the activities of a young Irishman who was carrying a hoe. He noticed that the young worked earnestly, and that he carried a double load of brick. Mr. Bowler called to him, asking him if he would accept a post as servant in the house. The youth was James Coxton, who subsequently served the Bowler family 53 years. He became a most trusted employee. He taught the Bowler children to walk, to play, to ride.
Coxton passed the remainder of his days at Mt. Storm. It was he who told the younger generations of the history of his charge.
And now on the site of Mt. Storm the city of Cincinnati is to build a shelter house.

Protests were made against the demolition of the historic property but no other solution was found. The article below describes the battle:

Save the Landmarks.

Cincinnati Enquirer (1872-1922); Jan 13, 1917

Decision of the Board of Park Commissioners to raze the Bowler house in Mt. Storm Park has been heard with regret by those who are attached to the landmarks of Cincinnati having sentimental or historic interest. One after another of our local fanes are being obliterated and the time probably is not far distant when all the physical links that bind us to the past will be wiped out by the march of modernism.

The Bowler house, perched on the crest of a towering hill, with unobstructed views of the sweeping, undulating acres about it, was a mansion when the late King Edward of England, found sanctuary and unbounded hospitality behind its sturdy walls. Bereft to-day of its sumptuous furnishings and denuded of fixtures and ornamentation, it still possesses strength of foundation and wall sufficient to make of it an ideal shelter house that would serve every useful purpose and preserve at the same time a historic shrine.

If this ancient landmark must go, as did the Lytle home and other monuments hallowed by time, memory and association, it is to be hoped that some of the distinguishing features of this ancient hospice, such as the Temple of Vesta, be left intact.

Credit - Tim Jeffries
Now known as the Temple of Love, but noted as the Temple of Vesta in the Cincinnati Enquirer, 1917.
This was was an elaborate cover for the water reservoir for the property.

And here is the response from the Park Board and police:

Cincinnati Enquirer (1872-1922); Jan 14, 1917

ORDER: To Raze Bowler Home Is To Be Investigated By City Club Board of Governors

Structure Should Be Preserved, Dr. Samuel Iglauer Declares – Trysting Place, Says Friedlander

Dr. Samuel Iglauer offered a motion before the City Club yesterday providing for an investigation of the proposed razing of the Bowler mansion, on Mt. Storm. The motion carried and the Board of Governors of the club will consider the question.

The Board of Park Commissioners,” Dr. Iglauer said, “is not accustomed to destroying relics which ought to be preserved.”

He suggested a care taker for the building, if the Commissioners cannot police the property, or that the house itself be utilized as a shelter house, with certain improvements. Dr. Iglauer is a member of the Kemper Home Association, which caused the preservation of the old Kemper home in the Zoo Park.

Director of Public Safety Walter J. Friedlander, together with Canon Reed, of St. Paul’s Cathedral and I. A. Ault, of the Board of Park Commissioners, took exceptions to the statement of Dr. Iglauer.

Speaking for his confreres, Director Friedlander said:

“Attention of the Department of Safety was directed recently to unlawful uses to which the Bowler house was being subjected. According to information received by me, this house was being used for a trysting place. Numerous complaints from mothers of young girls and from other, accompanied by requests that the park police exercise stricter surveillance over the property, were received.

“As a matter of face since 1912 the police force under the jurisdiction of the Park Board has been so small as to be of practically no use whatever. Repeatedly the Department of Safety has been called upon by the Park Board to supply city policemen to patrol and to guard park property. By reason of the fact that the city is already underpoliced, with no prospect in the immediate future of being able to increase its force, this department was obliged to refuse assistance to the Board of Park Commissioners.

“It being impracticable to close the Bowler house against marauders or to protect it from those seeking shelter therein, this department advised the Board of Park Commissioners that the only step remaining was to raze the building, which, aside from any sentimental value it may have, is worth practically nothing.

“The Board of Park Commissioners concurred in this view, and for the reason the order was issued to raze the house. As soon as possible, I understand, the Boar of Park Commissioners will erect a suitable shelter house on the site of the Bowler house.”

Mr. Ault said last night Director Friedlander’s statement covered the ground completely, except he did not know when the Board of Park Commissioners would erect a shelter house in place of the present structure.

The house was razed in 1917 but no shelter house was built for sometime. I came across another article from June, 1919 that complained there was no shelter in Mount Storm park for protection from the weather. Eventually a shelter house was built in 1935.

1950 Sanborn Insurance Map - Source

Now Mount Storm park is known for its Temple of Love and the great sled riding hills. More pictures can be seen on a post on Urban Ohio.

The Signs of OTR Poster Giveaway!

2013-02-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

UPDATE - Congratulations to Cindy, our winner!

In honor of my Facebook page reaching 1,000 likes, it is Giveaway Time!

Thanks, Facebook Fans!

"The Signs of OTR" - A. Senefeld

I am giving away one (1) 16x20 poster of the picture above. This collage was made from pictures I have taken from the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Some of these buildings have been featured on this blog:
Keyer and More
The Mystery of Casse' Frocks
The Levine Furniture Company

The entry form is below. Entries will be accepted starting at 12:00 AM, February 1, 2013 and will end 12:00 AM, February 8, 2013.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Langdon House - Columbia Tusculum

2013-01-27T20:02:00.000-05:00

Source

Another home on the National Register of Historic Places, this one is located on Eastern Avenue in the Columbia Tusculum neighborhood of Cincinnati. It was originally built in 1855 for Dr. Wesley Elstun but it was purchased in 1865 by Dr. Henry Archer Langdon. Its architectural style is called Steamboat Gothic and is believed to be one of the last remaining ones of this style in Cincinnati.

Dr. Langdon was born May 28, 1839, in Linwood, Ohio. He was the son of James Davenport Langdon and Sarah Phelps Langdon. He attended the Miami Medical College in Cincinnati and in 1862, he joined the Union Army to serve during the Civil War. That August, he was appointed as Assistant Surgeon to the 79th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. By February 1863, he was a Full Surgeon and served until the end of the war.

1869 Titus Map - Source

When Dr. Langdon returned to Cincinnati, he went into practice with Dr. Elstun and eventually bought the practice from Elstun. including the house and the small outbuilding used as his medically office. Dr. Langdon married Emeline Corbly in 1867 at her father's home in Mount Washington. The had five children:
Chester Stebbin Langdon (5 Sept 1867 - 20 Jul 1868)
Clara Langdon (5 May 1869 - 7 Dec 1874)
Anna Dawson Langdon (9 Sept 1870 - 21 Oct 1874)
Thomas Langdon (22 Jun 1874 - 4 Oct 1874)
William Langdon (22 Jun 1874 - 9 Feb 1955)

1870 Census - Ancestry.com

As you can see, only one of their five children survived until adulthood. Emeline passed away in 1874, just two weeks after giving birth to twins. In December 1875, Dr. Langdon married Sydnie Edward, and she became William's mother. Just five months after their marriage, Dr. Henry A. Langdon passed away from a brain hemorrhage on May 13, 1876. (Source)

Cincinnati Enquirer; May 16, 1876; ProQuest Historical Newspapers

Obituary.

THE LATE DR. H. A. LANGDON.

RESOLUTIONS PASSED BY THE MIAMI MEDICAL SOCIETY.

Whereas, Our friend and professional brother, Henry Langdon, has been removed from our midst by the hand death ; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Miami Medical Society has lost in o deceased friend one of its most useful and distinguished members, and the medical profession of Cincinnati one of its brightest ornaments.

Resolved, That in his sincere sympathy with suffering, in thorough and scientific medical knowledge, and the calm, strong spirit which at all times impelled him fearlessly to do his da Dr. Langdon possessed in a most uncommon degree those high qualities which makes a physician invaluable to a community

Resolved, That to the community which will vainly seek replace him, to the friends and relatives who have lost him. hereby respectfully tender our heartfelt sympathy, and min join our regrets with theirs.

W. W. Highlands. M. D.. Pres

George Conner, M. D., Secit

Source

Sydnie and William moved to live with her family. The home remained in the Langdon family and became a rental property.

Click on the following to enlarge

1880 Census - Ancestry.com

1900 Census - Ancestry.com

1910 Census - Ancestry.com

1920 Census - Ancestry.com

1930 Census - Ancestry.com

1940 Census - Ancestry.com

When William Langdon became an adult, he also studied medicine at Miami College and joined the Marine Corps. He worked as a doctor in Mount Washington. William's son, Henry H. Langdon, also became a doctor, served his country in World War I in France and at the time of his death in 1937 at the age of 40, was Chief of Staff at Cincinnati General Hospital.

When William passed away in 1955, the home was sold to private owners until 1966 when it was purchased by the Miami Purchase Association, predecessor to the Cincinnati Preservation Association. In 1969, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places and plans were made to remove the doctor's office building to the Heritage Village at Sharon Woods Park, where it still stands today.

Langdon Medical Office at the Heritage Village - Google Images

The Miami Purchase Association sold the home in 1976 to a couple who made plans to restore it to its former glory. Since then, other owners have maintained or improved the home to the beautiful place it is today.

Source

A Missed Named National Register House in Avondale

2013-01-15T21:14:00.004-05:00

This home came to my attention because, like so many of our historic homes in Cincinnati, it has been neglected and is under its second review as a public nuisance.

965 Burton Avenue, Avondale
2005 Hamilton County Auditor

This home is on the National Register of Historic Places as the Mary A. Wolfe house, supposedly built in 1888 and designed by the Samuel Hannaford firm. So I went off digging to find out who else had owned it. I was in for a surprise...

CAGIS Map - 2013
The property is the large house in the upper left corner of the outlined area.

I always like to start with current maps, to see if I can line up the property or the parcel with an older map. So I went back to 1869...

1869 Titus Map - Source
The outlined portion lines up (mostly) with the present day CAGIS map.

Ok, first surprise! The land where the home at 965 Burton Avenue is today was once an African American cemetery. Something else to note, Burton Avenue was then called Clinton Street. Remember, at this time, Avondale was a separate village outside of Cincinnati. There was also a Clinton Street in Cincinnati, in the West End, near the new Taft Information Technology High School on Ezzard Charles Drive.

After looking through some city directories for Mary A. Wolfe in 1888, I figured out whomever placed the home on the National Register got the two Clinton Streets mixed up. Mary Wolfe did live on Clinton Street, but in the West End, not Avondale. Second surprise! So who built this home on an old cemetery and where were the beloved dead moved?

Cincinnati Enquirer, April 12, 1880

As you can read above, a controversy started in 1880, when an African American state representative presented a bill to the legislature to close the Colored American Cemetery in Avondale. Members of the African American community came together to oppose the closing. A portion of the speeches is below.

Excerpt from Cincinnati Enquirer ; Apr 13, 1880

The bill was not passed and the cemetery remained open. That was until 1883 came along and I found the following articles:

Cincinnati Enquirer; April 30, 1883

Cincinnati Enquirer; May 17, 1883

Wow, the above article was shocking for me to read. I hope the bodies were all removed by their families and given a proper burial, not thrown in a trench! It appears from further research that the land was purchased by the neighbor next door, the Evans family, who appear on the 1869 map above.

The land stayed vacant until 1894, when the present home was built for George W. Dittman (sometimes also spelled Dittmann). He was co-owner of a prosperous shoe making business in Cincinnati, Krippendorf & Dittman. He was born in Missouri in 1849, was married to Abbie and had four children - Florence, George, Edmund and Ruth.

Cincinnati Enquirer; Sept 24, 1893

I confirmed the Dittman's owned this home by checking the city directories. They first listed their home on Clinton Street, Avondale in 1894 and then as Burton Avenue in 1896, and finally as 965 Burton Avenue in 1897.

Cincinnati Enquirer; February 27, 1895
This article state the home was recently built, disproving the original build date of 1888.

The Dittman family lived in this home through the early 1900's. George passed away in 1925 and Abbie in 1926. They are buried in Spring Grove Cemetery, along with Florence and Ruth, who never married, and Edmund and his wife Clara. The home was sold in 1928 to Jennie Erman, a widow, who lived with her son, Effie, an insurance agent. The Erman's lived here until at least 1940.

1917 Sanborn Insurance Map - Source

You can see from the ownership card below, the property changed hands quite a few times from 1940 until 1974. At some point in the 1990's it became a nursing home.

Ownership Card - Hamilton County Auditor

Cincinnati Magazine, August 2009

As you can see above, it seems interior details were removed when the home was converted. Recent reports from 2009 and 2010 state the home has a leaky roof with damage occurring to the floors, causing them to be ready to cave in and of course, because of the water, mold damage is also apparent. Other comments can be seen on this blog post from 2010. The home was condemned on September 24, 2012 for structural damage, vandalism, and neglect.

Even with obstacles to face, a home that has merited a place on the National Register of Historic Place should receive more care and attention. I will update this blog post after the hearing on January 25, 2013. If you would like to attend, the hearing will take place at 1:00 pm at 3300 Central Parkway.

The Benn Pitman House

2013-01-06T02:15:00.001-05:00

I stumbled upon this home and I had no idea Cincinnati has such a treasure!

1999-2003 Hamilton County Auditor

This is the Benn Pitman House, built circa 1878 and it was added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 7, 1969. It is named for its builder and owner, Benn Pitman. His life is best described in his death notice from the Cincinnati Enquirer, December 29, 1910:

Benn Pitman: Dies at Age of 89 Years
Was Founder of Phonetic Shorthand in America,
And the First Official Stenographer of U.S. Government.
His House Full of Wonderful Wood Carving Done By Him and His Art Students.
Benn Pitman, aged 89 years, one of Cincinnati’s most famous citizens, died last night in his home at 1852 Columbia avenue. Pitman was the founder of phonetic shorthand in America. He was also well known in art circles all over this country.
He was a national figure during and after the Civil War. He was one of the first shorthand reporters to be employed by the United States Government. For nearly a year he had been ill at his home, and some months ago he submitted to a very serious operation.
Benn Pitman was born in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, England, on December 24, 1822. He was a brother of Sir Isaac Pitman, the inventor of Pitman’s phonography, known as phonetic shorthand. In his early days, he toured Europe lecturing on and teaching his brother’s invention. In 1852 he came to America, and, after a short stay in Philadelphia, he located permanently in Cincinnati.
The same year he came to Cincinnati he established the Phonographic Institute for teaching phonography and publishing his books on that subject. Since the incorporation of this institution in 1895 he had been its President. Of late years the institute has been operated merely as a publishing house. He was associated with Jerome B. Howard, who acted as manager of the institute since 1881.
In the early seventies he was a teacher of the Cincinnati Art Academy, which was the foundation of the present Cincinnati Art School. It then adjoined the old McMicken University. He taught decorative art and wood carving.
Mr. Pitman had always been of an artistic disposition. His house on Columbia avenue is a wonderful example of his art. Each piece of furniture is wonderfully carved, as are also the woodwork and staircases. For many years it has been the subject of admiration by artists from all over the country. Much of the work he did himself, and the rest was done by his students in the old art academy.
He was twice married. In 1849 he married Miss Jane Bragg, of Manchester, England. They had one daughter, Miss Agnes Pitman. Some years after his first wife’s death he married Miss Adelaide Nourse, daughter of Caleb B. Nourse. She was a twin sister of Miss Elizabeth Nourse, who now lives in Paris, France, and occupies a prominent place in the world of art. The second Mrs. Pitman died some years ago. She was survived by a daughter, Miss Melrose Pitman, who is a student in Wellesley College. Miss Melrose Pitman is at home for the Christmas holidays and with her sister, she was at her father’s bedside when he died.
It was as a shorthand reporter that Mr. Pitman achieved national fame. In the early fifties there were very few shorthand reporters, and he was designated as an official reporter to record important Government litigation.
…One of the most famous cases he ever recorded was the trial of the Lincoln conspirators, Mrs. Suratt, Payne, Atzerodt, Dr. Mudd and others, charged with conspiring with Booth in the assassination of Lincoln. Mrs. Suratt was afterward hanged.

Pitman was one of the founders of the Cincinnati Crematory…

Benn Pitman
Source

Source

For the Third Cincinnati Industrual Exposition, furniture, doors and baseboards made by Benn Pitman, along with his first wife Jane and their daughter Agnes were exhibited. A display was also sent to the Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition in 1876 containing many pieces of wood carvings, such as bedsteads, mantels, bookcases plus much more. These were made all by women, since Pitman believed woodcarving could be a new artistic profession for women. The display received great acclamation. Source

Benn Pitman (1822-1910), designer; Adelaide Nourse Pitman (1859-1893), carver; and Elizabeth Nourse (1859-1938), painter
Bedstead, ca. 1882-83
http://www.discoveringthestory.com/goldenage/bed/index.asp

While being well-known and successful, he left very little estate to his daughters and they sold the home by 1920 to Lulu M. Steward. The 1920 census lists her daughter Florence M. Steward as a teacher at a college (the city directory lists her as a musician) and Lulu's two sons, Harold and William.

2005 Hamilton County Auditor

By 1923, the house already changed ownership to James L. Pease and again was sold to Martin H. Urmer in 1927. The Urmer family remained owners until it was sold in 1940 to Robert Cavally, who was a flutist with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and a teacher at the College Conservatory of Music. It was sold by the Cavally's in 2000 to the present owner.

When the home was last for sale, a wonderful detailed article was written in the Cincinnati Post, March 27, 1999:

…Pitman, a woodcarver and transplanted Englishman, was influenced by the Aesthetic Movement, a reaction against industrialism that prized nature for its lack of artiface. He executed the Ohio Valley’s flora in the home’s woodwork.
Only two carvings, both in the entry parlor, veer from nature. On one door, a high-relief carving of birds taking flight is based on one in the Alhambra, the 15th-century Moorish castle in Granada, Spain. On another door, Pitman carved a pair of lions rampant, recognizing his country of birth.
Ceiling beams, baseboards, doors and doorways are all carved. Fruits and berries, ferns and flowers in dizzying numbers fill the woodwork – mahogany, oak, rosewood, hickory.
“After living here for year, I discovered a dragonfly behind a post on a fireplace.” Mrs. Cavally said.
Three of the home’s four first-floor fireplaces are in working order. In the entry parlor, the firebox is surrounded by hammered silver with the inscription, “Content is a crown which seldom kings enjoy.”
The tile on the hearth – indeed, all the tile in the house – was made on-site and fired in a kiln in the basement. Used now, for storage, “the kiln could be brought back to working order,” Mrs. Cavally said.
The Cathedral Room is named for its 27 foot ceiling. The room is long – 23 by 12 feet – and boasts a massive fireplace with carved marble and intricately detailed wooden surround. The room had been used as both living and dining room.
Intricately carved built-on cabinetry is tucked into either side of the fireplace.
Pitman had intended this space as son Emerson’s music room, so on the east wall is a triple-arched organ loft. The 14-by-8 foot loft makes a charming spot to read or to observe light passing through the stained glass gallery windows of the room below.
Back in the first floor, there is a 16-by-10 foot dining room or first floor bedroom. French doors from the latter open onto a terrace that leads down to a gazebo beside a flourishing magnolia tree on the landscaped grounds.
The 16-by-15 foot kitchen has been upgraded with oak cabinetry, Corian countertops and a center island with sink. There, one can prepare supper or eat a bite at the breakfast bar while observing the river traffic through the doorway.
Off the kitchen is a powder room tucked under the stairs to the second floor.
The large second floor hall is richly carved and offers access to the organ room, three bedrooms (all with river views), a full bath and the stairs to the tower room. Large closets, unusual for a house of this age, offer abundant storage.
The 10-by-8 foot bathroom is fitted with a ball and claw tub and pedestal sink, and it too had a view of the river. The blue and white tiles are metal.
“There are boxes of extras,” Mrs. Cavally said, should some be needed for alterations.
Up the stairs is the tower room, originally used by servants, with access to the tower platform, overlooking the river.
“We had some wonderful times up there,” Mrs. Cavally said. “After the opera, I would hoist drinks and ice up in a bucket.”
At about 3,000 square feet on 1.4 acres, the Pitman-Cavally Mansion remains a viable home for the ‘90’s and beyond. The plumbing and electrical systems have been upgraded, the oak floors refinished. The coal room in the basement is long gone, replaced with an efficient heating and air conditioning unit.
The full basement, with laundry room and another full bath, is bright and clean, with its white washed 26-inch stone walls and beaded board ceiling…

The following pictures show the amazing details Mr. Pitman and his fellow artists added to his home. These are from the University of Cincinnati Libraries Digital Collections.

Content is a crown which seldom kings enjoy

The Pogue's of Park Avenue

2012-12-29T01:09:00.003-05:00

Cincinnati's Park Avenue in East Walnut Hills was once a prestigious place to live. In the mid 1800's, well-to-do families made the move out of the Cincinnati basin to their mansions on the hills.

This story is the same for Henry Pogue. He was born May 5, 1829 in County Cavan, Ireland and emigrated to the United States in 1850 and arrived in Cincinnati in 1851, working as a clerk in a dry goods store, along with his brothers Samuel, Thomas and William. By 1855, Henry became part owner of the Pogue and Jones dry good store on Fifth Street.

In 1865, Henry Pogue bought the business of his future father-in-law, John Crawford, a dry goods store on Fifth Street and brought his brother, Samuel into the business. H & S Pogue was born. Brothers Thomas and William also joined this family business. The store changed locations in 1878 to Fourth Street near Race.

1869 Titus Map

The house on Park Avenue was purchased by H & S Pogue in 1871 from David J. Williams, who appears to have built this home around 1865.

1870 Census showing neighbors Joseph Rhodes, David Williams and Hugh Kemper

The Cincinnati Daily Enquirer (1852-1872); May 12, 1871;

On October 24, 1878, Henry Pogue married Mary Isabella Crawford in Fort Hamilton, New York, where her family had moved after Henry purchased her father's business. They returned to Cincinnati and lived in the home on Park Avenue.

1880 Census

Henry and Mary had eight children, two whom died in infancy. Henry died in 1903 and the business passed onto his brother and his sons. They continued to build a prosperous business and a new building was built in 1916 at the corner of Race and Fourth Street. The department store continued operations into the 1980's. More information on the store can be found on this wonderful blog - The Department Store Museum

Henry Pogue
Source

Mary Isabella Crawford Pogue

Cincinnati, the Queen City, 1788-1912, Volume 3

Mary Isabella Crawford Pogue passed away in 1934 and the family is buried at Spring Grove Cemetery. The home had transferred ownership some years prior to their daughter, Natalie Pogue Gates, who married John L. Gates. The home remained in the Gates family until John's death in 1973. John L. Gates was the owner of the Precision Equipment Company, a radio receiving manufacturer, and he built and operated one of the first radio stations in Cincinnati. He later sold this station to the Crosley Radio Corporation.

The home is currently the offices of Vivian Llambi & Associates and was featured as part of the Cincinnati Preservation Association's Walnut Hills House Tour in 2010. The restoration won an award from CPA in 2009.

Source

The following interior detail pictures were taken by the Cincinnati Preservation Association and donated to the DAAP program at the University of Cincinnati:

One more curious side note - The home just to the south, at 2306 Park Avenue, was built in 1900 for Henry and Mary's daughter, Blanche, who lived there with her husband, William Walker Smith and they named the home "The Columns". Natalie Pogue Gates and John Gates also lived in this home in the 1920's before moving to the "big house" next door.

2306 Park Ave
Hamilton County Auditor 2005

The History of Hostess in Cincinnati

2012-12-09T22:51:00.002-05:00

I began to be intrigued with the history of the Hostess Brand in Cincinnati with the closing of the plant on 5th Street on November 12, 2012. This picture in particular inspired me to learn more:

Photo Credit - JGR Images

How did a former police station become part of a bakery? I started with my favorite maps.

1891 Sanborn Insurance Map - Source

The Police Patrol Station Number 4 was built between 1887 and 1891 on Fourth Street. To the east also stood a fire engine house at the corner of Fourth and Carl Alley. However, there is no sign of a bakery!

Photo taken in front of the police patrol station - Source

In 1911, the Domestic Science Bakery bought land on Fifth Street and began construction on a two story building. The following article from the Cincinnati Enquirer on September 11, 1911, describes interesting items placed in the building's cornerstone:

PIES
Go Into Corner Stone
Of New Home of Domestic Science Baking Company - Elaborate Ceremony Planned.
Many curious things have been placed in the corner stones of buildings since the corner stone of an institution came into use, but it will remain for Cincinnati to add pies to the list.
No, gentle reader, this is not a joke. Six big pies, like those that mother used to make and which the small boy so delights to stow away in his stomach, will be placed in an airtight case and be set in the corner stone of the new building of the Domestic Science Baking Company on West Fourth (sic, should be Fifth) avenue, opposite the Fourth District Police Station. The pies go in to dedicate the new structure as a pie factory and as an evidence to future generations of the ability of the people of to-day to make good pies.
The new plant of the company will cost $100,000, and is being constructed of concrete and steel. Yesterday Simon Hubig, one of the officials of the company, made arrangements for an elaborate celebration of the sealing of the corner stone, which takes place next Tuesday afternoon. He has invited the members of the One O'Clock Club, an organization whose purpose is to salute by lifting the hat to every pie wagon that passes, to luncheon on that day at the Business Men's Club. They will be taken to the scene in pie wagons and wear pie pans as badges.
The six pies will be prepared for their long sojourn by being wrapped in paraffined paper, upon which will be written in indelible ink the history of the pie: the date of its birth and its burial. The six will then be sealed in a metal container, which will be airtight, and this goes in at the bottom of the corner stone receptacle. A history of the company, the building, a list of stockholders, a description of the dedication ceremony and a roster of the members of the One O'Clock Club, will be put in to keep the pies company, after which the concrete man will cover it up by making it a part of the Fourth (sic, Fifth) avenue wall.
The One O'Clock Club ... are duty bound to buy pie for each fellow member upon an increase in the family, or any kind of an anniversary, and are fined a round of pies when they fail to tip their hats to a wagon laden with the same.

Cincinnati Enquirer, September 20, 1911

Cincinnati Enquirer, April 3, 1912

Cincinnati Enquirer, April 18, 1912

By 1914, Simon Hubig sold the Domestic Science Baking Company to Schulze Baking Company of Chicago, which operated four bakeries in that city as well as Peoria, IL and Kansas City at the time of the purchase. The article from the Cincinnati Enquirer, February 3, 1914 states the Domestic Science Bakery made the well-known Tip-Top and Butternut breads.

Seen at Local 127 on Vine Street
Source - Digging Cincinnati History

Cincinnati Enquirer, March 19, 1917

Source

1904-1930 Sanborn Insurance Map - Source
The Schulze Baking Company (misspelled on this map) can be seen on both 4th and 5th Street. The police station had not yet become part of the business.

Control of the Schulze Baking Company was sold in 1921 to Ralph Leroy Nafziger and in 1930, through the merger of Schulze Baking and Western Bakeries of Los Angeles, Interstate Bakeries was formed. In this same year, Hostess Brands was established by Interstate Bakeries. More information can be read here.

1950 Sanborn Insurance Map - Source
The former police station is now listed as storage for the bakery.

Buildings continued to be added over the years, joining existing buildings. In the picture below, you can see the all the buildings which have been combined. And yes, the original Domestic Science Baking Company building is still standing on Fifth Street, although the facade has been altered over the years.

Google Aerial View

Google Streetview
Original Domestic Science Baking Company

I wonder if those pies are still buried in the corner stone...

Avondale Athletic Club to Xavier University

2012-11-28T01:09:00.001-05:00

As a student as Xavier University, I pass this sign in front of the Cintas Center when walking to class:

Source - Author

So I just had to know what the heck the AAC was. The little sign at the bottom gives a bit more information - AAC was the Avondale Athletic Club, once on the campus of Xavier. But what was this club, where was it located and what happened to it?

The Avondale Athletic Club was founded in 1897. The follow article from the Cincinnati Enquirer details more about the club:

The members of the fashionable circles on the hilltops are very much interested in the organization of the Avondale Athletic Club. The clubhouse is now an assured fact, and a large force of men are at work on the grounds purchased by the club from Mr. C.C. Bragg.

The accompanying cut (picture) conveys an excellent idea of the magnificent clubhouse which is being built. The clubhouse is the design of Mr. Matthew Burton, a Cincinnati boy, who has already attained a reputation here and throughout the country as an architect. The Avondale Club is one of the best examples of his ability to combine thorough convenience and comfort with a design entirely artistic and pleasing.

The membership of the club is limited to 200, and already 158 members have signed the club roster.

The club grounds will afford ample facilities for all out-door sports, such as golf, football, baseball, tennis, croquet, bicycling, shooting clay pigeons, and a large swimming pool, which is now being built, will be ample in size to accommodate all who desire to swim in summer and skate in winter.

The entire valley in the back of the clubhouse will overlook the fields on which the out-door sports are to be held.

The club building will have large billiard rooms, four bowling alleys, shower bathe for athletes, lounging rooms, reading rooms, cardrooms for games without stakes, while the second floor will be a large auditorium capable of seating 500 people, and will be equipped with stage, scenery, &c., for entertainments such as lectures, plays, dances, card parties, &c.

A dancing school for children of members will also be maintained.

The by-laws of the club are framed on a liberal basis, and gentlemen in good standing in the community over 18 years of age are eligible to active membership. Each member must own at least one share of stock, par value $50, while the annual dues will be $25, payable semi-annually. Furthermore, sons of members between the ages of 15 and 20 years can enjoy the privileges of the club on the payment of $5 per year, and those between the ages of 20 and 25 on payment of $10 per year.

Tournaments of every description are to be given, and the Avondale Athletic Club’s flag and cups will no doubt be contested for in many future events…

Cincinnati Enquirer; Aug 15, 1897

Cincinnati Enquirer; Aug 15, 1897

The Avondale Athletic Club was the first location of the Cincinnati Master tennis tournament, now known as the Western & Southern Open. It is the oldest tennis tournament played in its original city in the United States.

Source

Unfortunately, the club only lasted for six years and in 1903, it went into receivership after a dispute between the Club's Board of Governors and Mr. C.C. Bragg, who owned the land rented by the club. The clubhouse and the golf course was used by the Avondale golf club until 1911, when St. Xavier College purchased 22.5 acres and the building for $85,000.

The property’s existing clubhouse, built in 1898, was hastily renovated into a makeshift school building, complete with classrooms, a chapel, and a dining hall, while retaining the old bowling alley from the Avondale Athletic Club. Archbishop Moeller dedicated it in December of 1911, christening it Xavier Hall. It opened its doors with 87 students as a replacement for the Branch High School in January 1912, now under the name of Xavier Academy. Though the academy represented a bright hope for St. Xavier’s future, the pre-secondary and college students, as well as many of the high school boys, remained downtown. "1911: A New Beginning Paper" by Mary Margaret Fletcher Source

Circa 1898 - Source

Financial difficulties and World War I delayed construction of buildings on the Xavier Avondale campus, but finally in 1920, Hinkle Hall and Alumni Hall (now Edgecliff Hall ) were completed. Over the next 10 years, additional buildings were added to the campus and in 1930, St. Xavier College became Xavier University.

1950 Sanborn Insurance Map. Red box outlines the location of the Avondale Athletic Club building, then used as a dining and recreation hall. - Source

Many more buildings were added, especially in the 1960's and in 1965, the old Avondale Athletic Club building, known as the "Red Building" came down and was replaced with University Center, now know as Joseph Hall. But the memories of the "AAC" live on in the little mural in front of the Cintas Center.

More information on XU's history can be found in this presentation.

The Bell House - East Walnut Hills

2012-11-13T12:43:00.000-05:00

Another find from the wonderful collection of photos given to UC's DAAP program from the Cincinnati Preservation Association.

Source

1869 Titus Map - Source

This home was built on a parcel of the original Scarborough property, between 1902 and 1904 for Charles Walter Bell, son of John E. Bell, the once wealthy owner the Cincinnati Tin and Japan Company. The home was designed by A.O. Elzner and George M. Anderson, prominent Cincinnati architects who also designed the Ingalls Building downtown.

1904 Sanborn Insurance Map - Source

The Bell family only remained in the home until 1912, when it was sold to a wealthy bachelor, Jefferson "Jeff" Livingston. It was noted in the papers that it sold for $50,000, the largest amount in the city that year. Articles in the Cincinnati Enquirer documented the beauty of the home:

It is the brick colonial type of architecture and contains about 12 rooms. On the second floor there are five bedrooms and several baths. The improvement is of the three-story type, with a finished third floor, where are located the quarters of the servants. The house is said to be the best equipped for its size in the Cincinnati market… November 30, 1912

There is no house in town so perfect in colonial architecture as Mr. and Mrs. Bell’s, and its Georgian furniture and superb marble mantel pieces, magnificent types of their period are unsurpassed in this part of the county… Mrs. Bell gave infinite thought to the building and furnishing of the house, and her artistic sense never served her to better advantage, for the result was impeccable, a house so distinctly colonial, its appointments so perfectly in keeping with its period that it stands unique. Some of Mrs. Bell’s splendid pieces of mahogany are heirlooms, others were gathered together from many parts of the country, years of effort being devoted to this delightful mission before the house was built... December 8, 1912

Mr. Livingston, it seems, never lived in the home, and the following year he sold it to John M. Wright for $40,000. Mr. Wright was with the Raleigh Coal & Coke Company. He and his wife, Carrie, and their two daughters, Marjorie and Virginia, took up residence here. Unfortunately, Mr. Wright passed away at the early age of 58 in 1928. Carrie and her daughters remained in the home until 1940, when Carrie sold the home to the Lee family. It remained in their family until 1968. Since that time, there have been just three owners, with the current owners purchasing it in 1989.

The house faces the Cincinnati Tennis Club, which its own unique history is documented here.

Schaller Bros' Main Street Brewery

2012-11-03T12:18:00.001-04:00

This brewery came to my attention because of this photo posted on Facebook. The poster asked if the remains in the middle could be part of a brewery tunnel, so prevalent in Over-the-Rhine:

This pic was taken on the vacant lot between Hughes and Rothenburg School. - Urban Properties OTR (Facebook). See their page for a video clip as well!

So I went off digging through the old maps, comparing them to present day maps. First, I checked for any vacant lots near Rothenberg School, a beautiful public school built in 1914, at the corner of Main Street and Clifton Avenue.

Rothenberg School - Flickr User oldohioschools
Check out more detail pictures

2012 CAGIS Map - Main Street Brewey was located at 1622 Main Street

According to Robert Wimberg's book, Cincinnati Breweries, the first brewery was at this site around 1851, and run by John A. Schaefer until 1869. At the time, the establishment was purchased by John S. Schneider and John G. Elsenheimer, with Schneider becoming sole owner in 1870.

Michael Mueller joined the business in 1871 and in 1875 bought out Schneider. At that time, the brewery employed twenty-five men, producings 5,000 barrels per year. August Froekling became a partner in 1879, but in 1882, the Schaller brothers, Michael, Peter and William, bought the Main Street Brewery. Peter left the business in 1891.

1891 Sanborn Insurance Map - Source

In 1900, J. Edward Sohn and his son joined the Schaller Brothers' Main Street Brewery, while Michael Schaller, Jr. also joined the family business. Michael Keck was the brewmaster and developed such beers as "Old Gold" and "Eclipse". Prohibition should have closed the brewery, but they continued to produce beer until legal action closed it in 1922.

1904-1930 Sanborn Insurance Map - Source

The brewery did reopen after the repeal of Prohibition but finally closed again in 1941. It was demolished sometime before 1950. In it's place was built a bake shop, in business until the 1970's.

1950 Sanborn Insurance Map - Source

The land and the remaining buildings are now owned by the Cincinnati Board of Education and being demolished for a parking lot for the Rothenberg School.

"Elsa" - Another Werk Home in Westwood

2012-10-19T10:45:00.002-04:00

Continuing the series of Werk family homes, "Elsa" on Fleetwood Avenue is also commonly know as the Werk Mansion.

Fleetwood Avenue - Source

Casimir L. Werk Sr. was born in 1844, the eldest child of Michael and Pauline LaFeuille Werk. He followed in his father's footsteps, becoming director of the M. Werk Company. In 1878, he married Pauline Herancourt, daughter of George Herancourt, president of the Herancourt Brewing Company.

Original Sketch of C.L. Werk's home, published in 1880. Source

Biography of Casimir L. Werk, as published in The National Cyclopaedia of American Biography in 1922:

WERK, Casimir Louis, manufacturer, was born in Cincinnati, 0., July 4, 1844, son of Michael and Pauline (LaFeuille) Werk. His father, a native of Alsace, was the founder of the M. Werk Co., manufacturers of soap, candles and glycerin at Cincinnati, also founder of M. Werk & Sons, manufacturers of native wines, Cincinnati. After completing his education at Polytechnicum, Karlsruhe, Germany, the son entered his father’s soap business, and upon the latter’s death, in 1893, took the management of the business. He had formerly been a director in the Cincinnati Gas & Electric Co., and at his death was a member of the directorate of the Cincinnati Union Stock Yards Co., Dayton & Michigan Railroad Co., and Foulds Milling Co., Chicago. Being a good violinist, he found his chief recreation in music. He held membership also in the Business Men’s and Western Hills Country Clubs (Cincinnati). Politically he was a Republican. A man of large vision and high ideals, his dominating personal characteristics were unlimited capacity for work, a surplus of energy, keen foresight, and minuteness in detail. During his long residence in Cincinnati, he was an essential part in every movement and undertaking that had for its purpose the improvement of the Queen City or the betterment of the people. He was married in Cincinnati, 0., Feb. 27, 1878, to Pauline, daughter of George Herancourt, president of the Herancourt Brewing Co., and left six children: Casimir Michel, vice-president of the Herancourt Brewing Co.; George H., a physician; Emil E., secretary and treasurer of the M. Werk Co.; Casimir L. Jr., a broker; Pauline L., wife of Arthur Kleve, and Lillian E., wife of Edwin C. Price. He died in Cincinnati, 0., Nov. 8, 1919.

After Casimir L. Werk's death, the home transferred ownership to Casimir L. Werk, Jr. and his wife Elsie Haberthear, and they did not have any children. Casimir, Jr died in 1955 and Elsa, for whom the home is named, remarried. She passed away in 1986.

Living Room redecorated by Elsa Werk - Source

Circa 1960's - Source

The home then went through some several owners until 2009, when it was foreclosed upon. Luckily, the current owners of making strides towards its restoration. The following pictures are from the real estate listing by Ron Schaible in 2009.

Werk Castle - Gone But Not Forgotten

2012-10-10T23:27:00.002-04:00

I have been curious about this home for some time now and so had one of my Facebook followers. He asked if I knew of any interior photos of the home. So I went off, "digging" for information.

Source

The home above, known as Werk Manor, Werk Place, and Werk Castle, was built in 1897 by Eugenie M. Werk, spinster daughter of Michael Werk. Mr. Werk was born in Alsace-Lorraine and emigrated to the United States and 1832, began a soap and candle company in Cincinnati. This business was quite successful and Mr. Werk was also well-known for his wine and champagne. Eugenie's sister, Adele Werk Oskamp, lived at Willadel, featured earlier on this blog.

Source

Below is an article, describing the decorating of the home, from the Cincinnati Enquirer, August 22, 1897:

LAVISH.: The Interior Decorations Are Nearing Completion in Miss Werk’s Palatial Home

pg. 32

The interior decorations of Miss Werk’s beautiful new home, nearing completion, on Harrison avenue, Westwood, will, as a whole, surpass anything before attempted in this vicinity. Only decorators whose names stand at the head of their various specialties, and well known in the decorative world, are engaged upon the work. It is safe to say that in point of adhering to the style of Louis XVI., and from an artistic point of view, the music room and the drawing room will surpass any decoration in any home west of New York City. Mr. W. F. Behrens, a celebrated decorator from New York City, has been brought to this city for the express purpose of supervising the decorations and furnishings.

The Louis XVI color scheme in purple and gold, ivory and cream is being carried out to perfection in the music room. Here the gas fixtures, the furniture and decorations will be in perfect taste throughout. The ceiling will be a work of art, with an oval figure panel in the center. This is now being executed by Virgil Tojetti, of New York City. At either end of the ellipse will be medallions of Verdi and Wagner, supported by Cupids embodied in the decoration. Mr. Clemens Barnhorn, of this city, is modeling the Cupids in relief. He is doing the work with great skill. His designs terminated in the scrolls of the Louis XVI style. This beautiful center panel will be surrounded by electric lights recessed in the ceiling. The corner pieces in this room will be emblematic of music. In the center of the bow window will be a handsome marble statue which Miss Werk ordered to be made when she was in Tunis. The statue has arrived and is at present in the Art Museum. The walls of this room will be reserved for rare works of art. An important feature will be the organ, which is being built in the wall, with a handsome Gothic front.

The reception room, adjoining the music room, will be in the Marie Antoinette style. The color scheme will be carried out in delicate blues, greens, cream and ivory. The ornamentation of the ceiling will be in blue gray. An elaborate design will be painted from the palette. This effect will be mother-of-pearl, with exquisite La France roses strewn in rich profusion, petals gracefully failing. The wall will be covered with silk damask, which is being especially manufactured in France. The tasselated floor of this artistic apartment will have a handsome Aubuson rug, which is being made to order. The fireplace will be Alta onyx; the gas fixtures of Ormolu gold.

The sitting room will be in the Empire style, with all the woodwork in mahogany. The general color scheme of this room will be green and gold, in the wonderful Rookwood coloring. In this room the facing for the mantel is being made by A. R. Valentien, of Rookwood. A beautiful head, by A. Van Briggie, will occupy a conspicuous place. The greens on the walls will be translucent, corresponding with the Rookwood ware.

The breakfast room, which is almost completed, is very dainty. Colonial in design, with dome ceiling. The color scheme is green and ivory, the ornamentation in ivory, blending into soft greens. The domed ceiling will be ornamented with morning glories and sweet peas. The furniture will be white mahogany.

The dining room is being executed in the Henri II of France style. The frontispiece of the fireplace will be an exquisite bronze panel, by Clodion of Paris, surrounded by Alta onyx. All fixtures will be en suite; woodwork and furniture of mahogany.

The library had been made in the Gothic style. The color scheme is in vert antique bronze and tobacco browns. The woodwork will be of Flemish oak. The fire place and mantel will be made of ceramic mosaics, with intricate Gothic design. This mantel and fireplace are now being made in England. The gas fixtures, andirons, &c., in the library of vert antique bronze. Here there will be an inlaid floor with fur rugs.

The spacious hall will be in the Francis I style. The color scheme will be green with woodwork in oak and fixtures in Bower-Barf. There will be an oak floor with antique Persian rugs throughout.

The billiard room is in red and oak.

Miss Werk’s room is in tallow and red, with dainty floral decorations. The woodwork in this apartment is of cherry.

The room being prepared for her niece, Miss Eugenie B. Werk, is a perfect example of the Empire style. The color scheme is a delicate rose and cream with delicate tracery of vine depending from the frieze. The woodwork and furniture will be of bird’s eye maple.

The room being prepared for her nephew, Mr. Louis M. Werk, is also in the Empire style, green being the prevailing shade. The woodwork is of curly birch. All the chambers on the second floor will be in the Empire style, with furniture to harmonize, the most pleasing of the guest chambers being in sky blue. This palatial residence will represent all that cultured taste and art can produce.

Source

After Miss Werk's death in 1925, her nephew, Louis Werk continued to live in the home until approximately 1935, when he moved out and closed up the house. The house was demolished in 1939 to make way for a new subdivision.

Cincinnati Post, August 30, 1939; pg. 8

Familiar Landmark Will Be Torn Down to Make Way for New Subdivision; Hitching Post to Stand

By Paul Cunningham

Soon the ring of the workmen’s tools will fill the air and the $250,000 residence of the late Eugenie M. Werk will crumble to dust like the ancient manors of medieval days.

The familiar Cincinnati landmark standing like a barons castle at 2701 Harrison avenue, is to be torn down to make way for a new subdivision. Only the hitching post in the driveway which has wintered 90 years will remain for sentimental reasons.

The 26-room mansion constructed in 1896 under the direction of the late Miss Werk, daughter of Michael Werk, the champagne maker, and Mrs. Pauline Werk, was purchased recently by the Globe Wrecking Co. After the valuable pieces of furniture and ornaments are sold, the building will be wrecked.

The mansion was practically imported from Italy and Germany. Miss Werk, an extensive European traveler, selected entire rooms of European castles and had her architect draw them on the spot.

She then had identical materials imported, along with foreign workmen to construct them.

The dining room, an imposing structure in itself, cost $20,000, it is said. A large room, it has a fireplace made of bronze and finished in hand-carved mahogany. The beams are solid hand-carved mahogany and the ceiling is raised, hand-painted ornamental plaster.

All bedrooms are finished in a different manner, with chandeliers of different design in each. The stairways are solid oak with Miss Werk’s initials E.M.W., hand-carved in 6-inch letters.

Pictures from many foreign countries line the walls of the second-floor library. The walls are of hand-carved oak. The oak fireplace is finished in hand-worked mosaic. A winding stairway to the observation tower, reported in highest point in Cincinnati, leads from the library.

Brief historical notes of the Werk family are contained in a solid leather archway on the second floor directly opposite a colored glass window in which the old homestead is pictured.

An old barn stands to the rear of the home. Underneath is a wine cellar 50 feet deep and 300 feet long. Only a few charred barrels in the two-story cellar link the present with the glorious past.

The following interior pictures were included with the above article. So far these are the only interior pictures I have found. I have tried to contact descendants of the Werk family, in hopes that more may be discovered.

Westwood Home To Retirement Community

2012-10-09T10:49:00.001-04:00

It is time to give the west side of Cincinnati some attention as well. There are some amazing homes in the Westwood area, where many successful families made their homes in the 1800 and 1900's.

Source

The home above, located at 2373 Harrison Avenue, was built in 1896 for William S.P. and Adele Oskamp. They named their home "Willadel", a combination of their first names. It was built on land owned by Adele's father, Michael Werk, who was a wealthy soap manufacturer and owned large parcels of land in Westwood. Adele's mother was Pauline LaFeuille, namesake for present-day LaFeuille Avenue, which ran down the old property line between Michael Werk and his son, Casimir Werk (see below).

1884 Map - Moessinger & Bertsch - Source
William and Adele Oskamp's first home was on a small parcel of her father's land (at center).
Willadel was built on a larger parcel on Harrison Avenue in 1896.

The home cost $40,000 at the time it was built and the architect was William W. Franklin, a prominent architect in Cincinnati in the late 1800's. Franklin was also the designer of Henry Pogue's home.

William S.P. Oskamp was born in Cincinnati 1855 to a successful jeweler, Clemens Oskamp and his wife, Mary Fisher Oskamp. Clemens was born in Prussia and came to Cincinnati in 1840.

William S. P. Oskamp. Among the men prominently identified with the commercial interests of Cincinnati none is better known or stands higher in business circles than William S. P. Oskamp, head of the Oskamp Jewelry Company. Thoroughly conversant with the details of his business, energetic in all his commercial transactions, Mr. Oskamp occupies an enviable position in the jewelry trade of this city, not alone for his many business qualities, but for every trait that marks a true Christian gentleman and a man of honor. He was born in Cincinnati September 8, 1855, a son of Thomas Clemens and Maria (Fisher) Oskamp, pioneers of Cincinnati. For more than a quarter of a century Clemens Oskamp was prominently identified with the jewelry trade in this city, and through industry, pluck and perseverance he became one of its substantial and valued citizens. Although the scope of his work, in connection with his business, was always broad he was also interested in civic and social affairs, and was a strong factor in all measures tending toward the public good. His efforts were not confined to lines resulting in individual benefit, but were evident in those fields where general interest and public welfare are involved, and though it has been many years since he passed from the scene of earthly activities, his work remains as a force for good in the community. William S. P. Oskamp acquired his education in the public schools of Cincinnati and the St. Xavier College of this city. He began his business career in his father's jewelry store, and has since devoted his time and energy to the building up of one of the largest and most complete enterprises of its kind in the Middle West. After his father's death, in 1887, he became president of the company, and has since filled this position with credit to himself and satisfaction to all concerned. He is a man of ability and great business capacity, and is universally recognized as an authority on all matters pertaining to the jewelry industry. He has visited Europe many times for the purchase of diamonds and other jewelry, and has numerous personal and business relations with many of the leading jewelers and diamond firms of Paris, Amsterdam and other European cities. On November 25, 1876, Mr. Oskamp was united in marriage with Miss Adele, daughter of Michael Werk, of Westwood, and to this union were born five children: W. Herbert, E. Gordon, William W., Adele Regina, and Elsa Pauline. Two sons are engaged in the jewelry business with their father, and William W. is president of the Oskamp Ignition Company. They are numbered with the progressive and enterprising business men of the city. - 1920 Memoirs of the Miami Valley, Vol. 3

Plaque at 26 W. 7th Street, Cincinnati - Source
The Oskamp Nolting Company bought this building in 1947 and sold in in 1967.

William passed away June 21, 1933 and Adele on January 1, 1936. There were talks about making the home into a private school in 1938, but the home, along with a three story barn and two separate homes for servants, were sold in 1946 to The Baptist Home for the Aged. It has remained a retirement home since, now called Judson Village Retirement Community.

The following pictures were found at http://digproj.libraries.uc.edu:8180/luna/servlet

Gorham A. Worth House in Mount Auburn

2012-09-29T18:03:00.000-04:00

I came across this home while looking through a collection of photo from the Cincinnati Preservation Association. I had never heard of this home and wanted to learn more.

Gorham A. Worth House - Auburncrest Avenue, Mount Auburn, 2010 - Source

This may well be the oldest home in Mount Auburn. Built circa 1819, it predates the Baum-Longworth-Sinton-Taft House (Taft Museum of Art) by one year.

Gorham A. Worth was born in 1783 in Hudson, New York. He worked as a banker and in 1817, came to Cincinnati to be the cashier of the newly formed United States Branch Bank. When he built his home, Mount Auburn was then known as "Key's Hill" in honor of James Key, whose home was on Bigelow Street. Worth did not stay long in Cincinnati, leaving for New York before 1825 and he passed away in 1856.

But Worth's contributions to Cincinnati history were enormous. He wrote "Recollections of Cincinnati" in 1851, noting his trip down the Ohio River with William Henry Harrison and descriptions of early Cincinnati and some of his good friends, including Nicholas Longworth, Jacob Burnet, General Findlay, Dr. Daniel Drake, Martin Baum, John Piatt, General Lytle, among many others. Luckily this book is available on-line, so try to take some time to read it.

After Worth's departure, the home was purchased by Robert McGregor, for whom McGregor Avenue is named. McGregor was born in 1804 in Scotland and it seems he was independently wealthy.

1850 US Census - Ancestry.com

In the 1850 Census, McGregor's occupation is "unknown" but the value of his real estate was $16,000.

1860 US Census - Ancestry.com

By 1860, McGregor's occupation is listed as "gentleman" and his real estate was then worth $200,000 and his personal estate worth $2,000. About this time, the "wings" were added to both sides of the main house. McGregor passed away in 1866 of cholera and is buried in the family plot at Spring Grove Cemetery. His descendants sold the land, breaking them into parcels for development.

1869 Titus Map - http://www.davidrumsey.com/

By 1869, Truman B. Handy, a builder and real estate developer, had purchased the home. He only lived here for a short time and by 1880, had sold it to Jacob Krouse. Krouse was born in 1824 in Germany. He emigrated to the United States in 1846 and married his wife, Caroline, in 1851 in a double wedding with his best friend and business partner, Louis Stix. They, along with other family members and partners, ran Stix, Krouse & Company, a very successful clothing business. The Krouse family remained in the home until Jacob's death in 1905. The next year, Caroline sold the home to Guy Ward Mallon.

1904-1930 Sanborn Insurance Map - Source
Note the Worth House in the middle.
Auburncrest Avenue was once called Krouse Avenue, named after Jacob Krouse.

Guy Ward Mallon (1864-1933), "one of the founders of Cincinnati’s City Charter, creator of Ohio’s Australian-ballot system, and author of “A Manual on Elections” (1892)." Source

He lived in this home until approximately 1930, when he built a smaller home just to the south at 240 McGregor Avenue.

Samuel J M Allen, a professor of experimental physics at the University of Cincinnati became the owner around 1930. It remained in his possession until 1952, when it was purchased by Irvin Yeaworth, a Presbyterian minister. A list of owners from Allen until 1988 can be seen below on the ownership card from the Hamilton County Auditor's records.

Ownership Card - Hamilton County Auditor

It is presently a private residence. When I stumbled upon the picture from the Cincinnati Preservation Association I found they had also taken some wonderful detail and interior pictures, which are below. Click on them to enlarge.

The Hummel Houses of Whitfield Avenue

2012-09-20T12:27:00.001-04:00

In last week's post, we learned about David Hummel, who started Hummel Industries. His children followed in his footsteps and continued the family business of stone fabrication and installation. Their continued success allowed them to build houses in Clifton in the late 1890's and early 1900's. Three of his sons chose to live close together, all living on the same street, Whitfield Avenue.

1891 Sanborn Insurance Map - Source

Prior to 1898, the north part of present day Whitfield Avenue was named Linden Avenue and to the west, present day Cornell Place was named Evans Place.

3423 Whitfield Avenue - George and Ella Hummel

In 1893, George Hummel, Sr. was the first to build his home at 3423 Whitfield Avenue. This home remained in his family until his wife, Ella, passed away in 1947. This home, designed by Samuel Hannaford & Sons, was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

3455 Whitfield Avenue - Frank Hummel's home from 1897-1906

In 1897, Frank Hummel joined his brother, owning and occupying one half of the two family home at 3455 Whitfield. But by 1906, Frank moved his family to Westwood and continued to rent the home in Clifton. This home was mentioned in the Cincinnati Magazine in 2006.

3463 Whitfield Avenue - William Hummel

Then in 1904, George and Frank's younger brother, William, joined them, living at 3463 Whitfield Avenue. William passed away in 1935 and his wife, Clara, continued to live there until 1941. Clara passed away in 1967 at the age of 88.

1904 Sanborn Insurance Map - Source

2012 CAGIS Map

But there is one more connection to the Hummel's of Whitfield - George Hummel, Sr.'s son, George Ellis Hummel, lived just one street west of his parents and uncles.

3480 Cornell Place

In 1905, G. Ellis Hummel built this home at the corner of present day Cornell Place and Evanswood Place. G. Ellis passed away in 1938 and the home was sold shortly afterward.

Relatives of the Hummel's still live in Cincinnati today. Thanks to Harriet, another relative living now in Pittsburgh, for letting me know about these homes!

1910 Freeman Avenue

2012-09-13T11:10:00.001-04:00

Hamilton County Auditor Photo

Thanks to John for telling me about this home, which was recently declared a public nuisance. While I did feature some of the information about the home on my Facebook page, I received more information about the family that I wanted to share in depth with my blog readers.

The home was built in 1879 for David Hummel. Hummel was a stone mason who was born in Germany in 1822. He immigrated to the United States in 1841 and worked for a time in Columbus, Ohio on the State House. Eventually, Hummel came to Cincinnati and in 1847 married Dorothea Dieble, also from Germany. Their first home was also on Freeman Avenue, further south than this home. David and Dorothea had 9 children:

John - (1847-1880)

George - (1851-1911)

Anna - (1853-1928)

Rachel (Tillie) - (1856-1893)

David, Jr. - (1858-1888)

Emma - (1860-1918)

Frank - (1864-1950)

William - (1867-1935)

Harry - (1871-1876)

1891 Sanborn Insurance Map - Source

Hummel built a very successful business in Cincinnati, The David Hummel Building Company. Their offices first were on Plum Street Downtown and then moved to Elder and Logan Streets.

From these venues, the young company quickly earned a reputation for expert fabrication and installation of cut stone. Early influential clients of the Hummel Company included Mr. Procter, Mr. Gamble and a premier brewer of his day, Christian Moerlein.

In 1888, Hummel received the contract for the largest construction project undertaken up to that time in the history of the City of Cincinnati. The city trustees accepted Hummel's bid in the amount of $513,000.00 for the excavation and stone construction of Cincinnati's new City Hall. Four years later the facility was dedicated and The David Hummel Building Company had come of age. - Source

Hummel's sons, John, George, Frank and William, joined the family business and George, Frank and William kept it going after their father and brother's deaths.

HUMMEL THK DAVID BUILDING CO., Geo. Hummel, President and General Manager; Frank Hummel, Treasurer; G. Ellis Hummel, Secretary; Wm. Hummel, Superintendent; P, L, Winkelman, Assistant Secretary; Contractors for Cut Stone Work, Brick Work and Masonry, Bldef, Logan and Plum; Telephone 2336 - 1900 Williams' City Directory

Over the years, the company has been involved also in the construction of Union Terminal and St. Gregory's Seminary among many others. The business is still operating today as Hummel Industries, Inc.

Source

The house remained in the family after the deaths of David and Dorothea with their daughter, Anna, living there until her death in 1928. Ownership then transferred to Frank Hummel's daughter, Louise, who sold the home in 1938. It has since then been sold quite a few times and is currently owned by an out of state holding company based in Utah, who has failed to maintain the building. The home will be the subject of other hearings before its fate is determined.