The Historic Old West End in Toledo, Ohio

Ask Our History Detective

 
 
I own a building at the corner of Airport and Detroit.
The addresses include 1893 and 1895 Airport Hwy and 303 S. Detroit.
Any information about this property would be appreciated.
Mark Colchagoff
 
 
Hi Mark,
Before 1965, Airport Highway was the extension of Wayne Street west of Bryne Road. So city directories before 1965 referred to 1893-95 Airport Hwy. as 1893 and 1895 Wayne Street.
A 1918 city directory listed C. W. Miller Dry Goods Store as being the occupant of 1895 Wayne Street. Salesman Dallas Muse and conductor J. P. Adams found lodging in the upstairs apartments. Mr. Miller's store was still at that location in 1932. That same year, Harry C. Evans, who lived upstairs, had a drugstore at 303 S. Detroit.
In May of 1934, a newspaper article announced the grand opening of a new grocery market at 1893 Wayne Street on the corner with Detroit Avenue. The Kroger Grocery & Baking Company opened a branch at that location. It was still there in 1951 with its address as 1893-95 Wayne Street.
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My friends and I have been going crazy trying to remember the name of a German Restaurant on Sylvania
Avenue near Hazelhurst that was doing business in the mid 60 's. Can you help us?

Thanks so much!
Karen
 
Hi Karen,
John Breidenbaugh ran Topsy's Fish & Chips at 1353 Sylvania from around 1951. By 1958 Topsy's was managed by William Wittenberg. Then around 1960 Topsy's relocated to 1398-1400 Sylvania. A 1960 newspaper advertisement noted that the restaurant served German dishes. Topsy's had replaced a Chinese restaurant which had operated in that location from 1941 until 1958.
Wittenberg's Restaurant-1400 W. SylvaniaThe German couple who ran the business, William and Hilde Wittenberg, renamed their German-style eatery "Wittenberg Restaurant" by 1966. The authentic German Kochart or "cookery" which seated 135 patrons served dishes such as beef rouladen, weiner schnitzel, sauerbraten and kassler rippchen. A thirsty customer could order from an extensive listing of German, American or Dutch beers and wines. Replica beer barrels jutted from the walls of the tap room and souvenir beer steins, clocks and other novelties were displayed.
Jo and Bill Miller, former operators of a dance studio for fourteen years, assumed management of the Wittenberg Restaurant in 1974. They continued to serve the same German menu employing three full-time cooks. Family-style chicken dinners, popular in the 70s, were added to the dinner choices. The restaurant was open every day of the week.
A 1974 newspaper advertisement called the Wittenberg "Toledo's Authentic German Restaurant". However, the restaurant's days were numbered.
In 1977 Sam Jung opened the May Flower Restaurant which featured Chinese food at the former Wittenberg Restaurant site. Its address was 1396-1400 W. Sylvania Avenue. Benny Jung, who opened the Chinese Village Restaurant around 1941 with his cousin Tom Jung, had operated in that same location nearly twenty years earlier having severed business ties with Tom in 1949.
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I always heard stories as a child of my grandmothers house at 207 S. Reynolds road (which was located in front of Heritage Hills mobile home park) about different ghost that our family had seen growing up in that house. There was a story I always heard about a man that previously lived in that house that was mowing the lawn and fell into the creek and died and that his wife went crazy and shot her dog and hung herself. I have always wondered if that story was true and any other information about the house.
 
Dear Andrea,
The Lucas County Auditor's site revealed that Franklin B. and Harriet Moss lived at 207 S. Reynolds Road, having purchased the home in 1948. The property, a little over four acres, became the site of the Mossville Manor Trailor Court in 1974 after once being rejected by the Plan Commission. Improvements were made to Heldman Ditch which ran through the property. A 1976 advertisement in a local newspaper referred to it as the Mossville Mobile Home Park and Sales, Reynolds & Hill.
Mr. Moss, a public school teacher, who passed away in 1978 and his wife Harriet are buried in Floral Grove Cemetery in West Unity. Ohio. Harriet was the former president of the Federation of Ohio State DeMolay Mothers Clubs having been elected to that position in 1973.
The mobile home court, oringally reflecting the Moss name, was sold in 1980 and the name was changed. Today, the property is listed as a vacant mobile park owned by a Chicago company which takes part in the Lucas County Auditor's deliquent payment plan.
 
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Hello,

A family friend who now lives in Florida has told us about the Douglas Grill in Toledo, which her parents operated for a number of years, I believe her mother was called "Corky" although I 'm sure that was not her legal name.

Our friend tells that her mother was a cleaning lady at a tennis club and the men who played tennis until dark would then prevail on her to fix them an evening meal. She agreed to do so as long as they ate what she fed her family, and would then bring her dinners and pies to the tennis club..........the pies were extremely popular!

Eventually one or two of the club members offered to sponsor her in a restaurant, and it was called the Douglas Grill. Our friend and her younger sisters worked there as waitresses and her father would come and help after finishing his bookkeeping job nearby. It 's my impression that this started near the end of the Depression and continued for a number of years.

Because she married and moved away our friend has lost track of the restaurant and the area and would enjoy any information you can share.......or perhaps you would like to talk to her!

Thank you for your time,
Susan
 
 
Hi Susan,
 
"Corky" may be the nickname for Cora Herzberg, who managed the Douglas Grill for ten years until 1949 and the Toledo Tennis Club from 1950 until 1955. Mrs. Herzburg passed away in 1980 at the age of 86 and is buried in Forest Cemetery. An ad for the Douglas Grill in a local newspaper from 1948 described hostess Cora Hertberg as the original manager, Paul Lee as the owner, and Kenny Lee Yam as the chef.
The Douglas Grill was located at 4129 Monroe Street at Douglas Road. The original owners of the restaurant which specialized in American and Chinese food were George Wohl (Woo) and his brother Peter Wohl (Woo). Paul Lee who became the manager after Mrs. Herzburg brought his best chefs from Mansfield, Ohio. The restaurant served no liquor according to a 1954 newspaper ad.
The building which housed the Douglas Grill has since been demolished. Today, an igloo-style building serving ice cream occupies the location of the former Douglas Grill.
Your HIstory Detective
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Dear History Detective,

2472 Robinwood in 1937I am writing to find information about the home my son and his wife just bought. It is at 2472 Robinwood. I see that it once belonged to a Dr. Keller, who was listed as living there in 1911. The records my son has show that the home was built in 1913, hence my confusion! Also, any idea about the architect or builder would be nice to know. It is a really lovely house, and my son is so excited!

Thanks,
Bill Glynn
 
 
 
 
Dear Bill,
 
Congratulations to your son and his wife on their new Old West End home. 2472 Robinwood was constructed on lot #67 in the Extension of the Robinwood Addition. We think the home was built in 1910. Dr. John G. KellerThat same year Dr. John G. Keller, a physician in the Wayne Building located at 607-13 Madison Avenue, and his wife Leah C. Keller lived at 441 Victoria Place. The 1911 city directory placed them at 2472 Robinwood. Mrs. Keller passed away in 1926 and Dr. Keller passed away in his home in 1933 at the age of 61. The couple had no children. They are buried at Woodlawn Cemetery on Central Avenue.
 
By 1935 Carl Bargmann and his wife Lillian moved into this home. Mr. Bargmann had become the vice-president, treasurer and a director of the Braun, Bosworth Company by the time of his death in 1952. Lillian lived to be 81 passing away in 1978. The couple had three children; James, Robert and Carl Jr. The Bargmanns are buried at Calvary Cemetery.
The auditor' s office places the construction date of 2472 Robinwood as 1913. We have often found inaccurate information on that site. We'll be glad to investigate this further.
Your HIstory Detective
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2229 Warren Street in 2012A few months ago I purchased 2229 Warren Street and I'm currently trying to restore the home to its former beauty or at least what I imagine it had
2229 Warren Street in 1937
looked like. I've tried to find pictures of the home, but haven't had any luck. I would love to see what the home originally looked like, but I've only found pictures of homes close to it. Any help would be very much appreciated! Attached is a picture of the home just before I purchased it just in case you need one for comparison.
 
 
 
 
Thanks,
Derek Tomor
 
 
 
 
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Gordon MatherI am searching for any old photos, advertisements or documents pertaining to Gordon M. Mather and his companies: Mather Spring Company, Morris Plan Bank, etc. Also any info on his wife Charlotte Boop Mather.
 
Thanks.
J. Webster
 
 
Mather Home at 2143 CollingwoodThanks for writing.
 
The book Toledo-Lucas County, Ohio 1623-1923 Vol. 2 has a biography of Louisiana-born Gordon MacDonald Mather of 2143 Collingwood. It is available at the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library downtown in the local history department. This invaluable resource inludes a photograph of Mr. Mather.
 
 
Mr. Mather founded the Mather Spring Company in 1911 and the factory opened in 1912. Mr. Mather, traveling in Europe, was impressed with the comfortable ride in the "horseless carriages" and became determined to bring that technology back to the United States. His goal was to make springs of equal and even better "give". Henry Ford contracted with his company to provide the springs for all the Model T Fords.
 
 
By 1965 the company was renamed the Mather Company and still later it was known as the New Mather Metals with its location at 5270 N. Detroit.
 
Virginia lawyer Arthur Morris began his concept of making loans to the poor and lower-middle class in 1910. Most commercial banks of the day would not make loans to citizens of less means. Mr. Morris felt that character and a work history should be taken into account when deciding to loan money to people. No collateral was needed; only two co-signers to guarantee the loan's repayment. He also felt that the less wealthy needed an alternative to loan sharks who were happy to make loans at high interest rates. By 1918 there were 104 Morris Plan banks across the country. Each bank was owned and controlled by local capitalists.
 
 
The Morris Plan Company of Toledo organized in 1916 with the bank located in the basement of the Gardner Building. Gordon Mather, the elected president, had a controlling interest in the Morris Plan Company of Toledo. In 1918 the lending organization opened a branch on the second floor of the Milner Building. The main Morris Plan Bank relocated to 234 N. Erie around 1925. In 1946 the bank again moved to another location at 515 Madison. Only one of two Toledo banks that survived the depression, it later became the Lucas County Savings Bank.
 
Critics of the Morris Plan banks claimed they were no better than the loan sharks. After the depression, many commercial banks began to ease their loan requirements and the Morris Plan banks became less competitive. Today, only a couple remain in business.
 
 
Charlotte Mather in 1976Charlotte (Bope) Mather, wife of Gordon Mather, met her husband in Canton, Ohio where Mr. Mather had established a spring and axle business in 1891 while in his mid-20s. They met, fell deeply in love, and eloped in 1911. He was 43 years old when he married Charlotte. That same year they relocated to Toledo to live. Mr. and Mrs. Mather had eight children; four boys and four girls.
 
Your HIstory Detective
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228 Knapp-Royal Hotel at 337 BroadwayLocated on Broadway in Historic South End, it is an old building and I am wondering if you might be able to shed some light on its history. Hotel Royal.
Chris Eichenberger
 
Chris,
The Lucas County Auditor lists the construction date of the "Hotel Royal" as 1900. We checked a 1900 city directory to discover that the building was called the Kest Hotel that year with Joseph Kest as the proprietor. Meyerhof Hotel at 337 BroadwayMr. Kest sold his first business venture around 1905 to Christopher and Cora Meyers. The Meyers renamed the hotel, 337-9 Broadway and 224 Knapp, soon afterwards. The Meyerhof Hotel combined the family's name with "hof", an Old English word for dwelling or building. The spelling of the hotel's name alternated throughout the years with an additional "f" being added to the end of the name in some directories but not consistantly. A basement fire in April 1945 partially destroyed the Toledo landmark and most of the 35 rooms were severely smoke damaged. The Blade article mentioned that the hotel was 109 years old at that time. Its location near the Central Union Station had made it a favorite with railroad men. The Meyerhof (f) Hotel disappeared from city directories around 1947. The hotel was sold by the Meyers family in the 1950s. Mr. Meyers would pass away in 1957 while his wife Cora passed in 1973. Her obituary mentioned that the hotel building was 115 years old in the 1950s when they sold it. The actual date of the hotel would have been circa 1836 if the information is reliable.
 
In 1924 Emil Kraemer operated a barber shop on the main floor of the Meyerhoff Hotel. His shop still was located at 337 Broadway in 1966 with 339 Broadway now the location of the Turf Grill restaurant. The eatery occupied the storefront of the former Meyerhoff restaurant (circa 1951). A Toledo Blade advertisement announced the grand opening of the Meyerhof Hotel and Cafe on March 17, 1952.
 
The first Toledo city directory that listed the Royal Hotel at 224 Knapp was published in 1961. A Blade article mentioned that the Royal Hotel had closed in August 1983. Daniel Harrison, its manager for the last two years, passed away in February 1984. The hotel's name still appeared in mid-and-late 1980s Toledo city directories. The address for the office was 228 Knapp, but by 1990 the Knapp address was listed as "vacant".
 
In 1999 John Shouser, a Toledo resident, purchased the property for $30,000 and donated the historic building to the city of Toledo for use as a youth hostel. The $1.2 million renovation cost proved to be unsurmountable for a 2002 planned opening. The Toledo International Hostel Guest House Corporation held the property until 2001 when it reverted back to the city of Toledo. The city then leased it back to the hostel group for $1 a year. A newspaper story in June 2007 of the Blade showed a conceptual drawing of the hostel still envisioned for the landmark hotel.
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Thank you in advance for your help.

1 ) Is there any way to search articles within Bend of the River?3412 River Road in 1966
2) I have owned a home at 3412 River, Toledo for many years and can confirm that it was once owned by Francis William Alter. There is a picture of the house in the Toledo public library in a book called ? Toledo 1915. The picture shows the house as a 4 square style home before a major remodel and expansion to a different style (large 2 story front porch supported by 4 Corinthian columns as well as a portico over the driveway, with a spanish tile roof constructed over the previous cedar shingle roof). I have an architect's (landscaper's? drawing of the addition and garden plans. Courthouse says the house was build in 1901 but I know that not to be true since I found workers signatures in a wooden lead lined cistern dated earlier (but unfortunately I lost the dated wood in deconstruction debris. I have been told that the home was called Riverby. At one time there was an iron arch over the driveway entrance that had the name on it. I am also told that my garage was a mule barn (for the canal) that was moved from what is now Sherwood ave. I was also told that the original owner of the home was General Isaac Ruth Sherwood. I have been unable to confirm that. Can you shed any light upon any of the missing timeline . Also when was Sherwood Ave established?

Thanks
Sanford Black
 
 
Hello,
 
Unfortunately, I do not know of any means to research articles found in previous issues of the Bend of the River magazine.
 
Dr. Francis W. Alter was a resident of 1937 Vermont according to a 1900 city directory while by 1907 he had moved to Unit A, Alter Apartments at 21st and Jefferson. An eye, nose and throat specialist, Dr. Alter had studied in Europe for a year and a half before returning to his practice in Toledo in 1904. Dr. Alter married his wife Edna in 1909. The 1910 city directory indicated that Dr. Alter had moved his practice to Suite 312 in the Colton Building and his residence to a new home "Riverby", located on the Maumee River road, two south of Clark. Later, he would build a hospital and office at 219 15th street.
 
 
Death came to Dr. Alter at age 63 following an operation. His wife Edna and eight children, all at home, survived him. The funeral services were held at the family home located at 3412 River road.
 
Regarding Sherwood Avenue, we discovered that Sherwood Avenue was previously known as Clark Avenue. Early Toledo directories (as early as 1907) describe Clark as being "from Detroit Av east 1 s of Glendale", the same description for Sherwood Avenue in later directories. The road was still named Clark Avenue in 1921 but had been changed to Sherwood Avenue by 1924. Street name changes were common in the early days of Toledo as the boundaries of the city expanded and similiar-named streets were absorbed into the city borders. Delivering mail to a correct address was difficult when street names were so alike. It is possible that Sherwood Avenue was named for Toledo resident General Sherwood as he was in declining health by the mid-1920s. Not only was he a Civil War hero but a congressman. He passed away in October 1925.
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Hi,
 
 
My Grandmother (Gertrude Margaret Macheras) born in 1908/9 disapeared after 1946, when my Mom was just 8 months old. She is listed on the 1910 Census at 427 13th St. Toledo, Ohio. Then again on the 1920 census as an inmate at the juvenile home run by Ms. Rose Castle on Erie St. Then she lived in Michigan with my Grandpa William Tinker until she vanished.
 
I 'm looking for anything I can find about her, her Mother Ada (born in England), and her father who was supposed to be recently from France (possibly Greek) and died before she was 15 months old. I would also like any info about the juvenile home referenced.
 
Thanks so much!
Christina Mitchell
 
 
Christina,
According to the 1910 Polk's Toledo Directory, the building at 418 N. Erie was the site of the Juvenile Detention Home with Mrs. Rose Castle as the superintendent. By 1918, in addition to the Juvenile Court Detention Home, it was the site of the Lucas County Childrens' Home offices.
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Dear History Detective,

My great great grandfather, William Henry Gage, was an employee of the Toledo Ice and Coal Company in the 1870 's. He may have held positions as book keeper and ice peddler, etc. He was a problem drinker which resulted in his premature death.

We are interested in researching the ice industry and how it utilized labor (homeless, poor, etc) to extract, transport, store and sell ice. Also, we are looking for infirmaries that held "problem drinkers/inmates" and their dependent children.

Finally, we are looking for a book entitled "So The Ice Melts" which is suppose to contain antedotes about the topic.

Your help in sincerely appreciated.

Regards,
Thomas Hamlin
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Scottwood Apts circa 1923
I am the new Service Coordinator for The Plaza apartments. I was interested in knowing when it was built and some of the local history associated with The Plaza. I feel that this would be good information to know so I can educate the tenants that currently live here.
Thanks,
Brad Weaver
 
Hi Brad,
The Scottwood Flats (now-Plaza Apartments), located on the northwest corner of Scottwood Avenue and Monroe Street, appeared in a Toledo city directory as early as 1907. By 1910 the complex was renamed the Scottwood Apartments with 1909, 1921 and 1927 Scottwood avenues as their addresses. This name remained the same through 1925 when George Weber was the manager. He and his wife Amy lived in unit 418, 1929 Scottwood. By then, the apartments were advertised as being located at 2000 Robinwood and 2518-2530 Monroe Street.
 
The apartments were again renamed "The Plaza" hotel and apartments in 1926 or 1927. By 1929 The Plaza Dining Room was located at 2518 Monroe with the hotel and apartment addresses listed as 2518 Monroe, 1930 Robinwood and 1909 Scottwood. A 1935 directory listed the Plaza Hotel and Apartments, 2616-22 Monroe, as being managed by trustee Robert Jones who resided at the same location.
 
July 3, 1979 is perhaps the Plaza's most unsettling day in its long history. Approximatley 60 men, an "organized group" invaded the Plaza complex during its remodeling, overwhelmed on-site security, smashed car windows. overturned a van, and hurled fire bombs. Fire destroyed the principal building as Toledo firefighters, on-strike, refused to fight the flames. Surburban fire departments responded and neighbors encircled fire hydrants to protect the water source from those who wished to block the efforts to save the buildings. It was reported that the arsonists were upset by nonunion work being used for remodeling the Plaza.
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Dr. William C. ChapmanDear History Detective,
 
I am writing because my Mother ’s side of the family has some Toledo roots. Her mother ’s name was Constance Chapman and she was the granddaughter of Dr. William C. Chapman who founded the Toledo Pharmacal Company. Do you have any history related to this company or the Chapman family around the end of the 19th and early 20th centuries?
KEVIN POE
 
Cincinnati-born Dr. William Crossman Chapman moved his practice from Ft.
Wayne to Toledo in 1873. Ten years earlier he had married Harriet Mitchell and to them five sons were born. Dr. and Mrs. Chapman lived at 1708 Madison.
By 1907 their son Harry M. and his wife Clara (Bosche) resided at 2461 Glenwood Avenue. He served as secretary, treasurer and general manager of his father's business. Son Frank H. who had married Isabella (Irvine) lived at 2126 Glenwood and would become president of the firm at his father's death in 1910. He was the secretary and manager of the Yost Electric Manufacturing Company. George L. married Mary (Cochran). Dr. George Chapman, a physician, and his wife lived at 21 Bronson Place. William B. was the superintendent of the firm and by 1910 the treasurer lived with his wife Florence (Brew) at 2222 Putnam Street. In 1912 son Howard V. , once a salesman, then assistant superintendent was promoted to superintendent and boarded at 2364 Robinwood. He would marry Ione (Minuse).
Dr. Chapman founded the Toledo Pharmacal Company serving as its president. It was incorporated in 1903 with the office and laboratory located at 224-28 Jackson Street in downtown Toledo. The Chapmans advertised their family business as the makers of tablets, pills, elixirs, syrups, suppositories, fluid extracts, tinctures, and jobbers of physicians supplies. Dr. Chapman passed on May 29, 1910 at the age of 70. At the time of his death Dr. Chapman's five sons, their wives and seven grandchildren were all residents of Toledo.
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Hello, I am writing to ask you what happened to the Bridal Aisle on Lagrange Street? My mother took me there to buy my First Communion dress in 1969, and I returned in 1987 to buy my wedding gown. The women of the store made me feel like a queen for both those special days. I 've lived away since my wedding 25 years ago; I wanted to take my niece there to buy her First Communion dress but I don 't find a listing. Thank you for your information.

Kathy Hower Campana
Vero Beach, Florida
Bridal Aisle at 3230 LaGrangeDear Kathy,
26 year-old Alice Godlewski opened her long-wished-for bridal shop at 3338 LaGrange in the former Feldman's Bakery storefront in November of 1947. Alice had filled two rooms in her duplex home with her bridal creations after she and her mother had made complete bridal outfits for her two sisters' weddings and now found herself faced with numerous requests from future brides for her service. Her mother and husband William helped organize and decorate the commercial location.
 
The Bridal Aisle moved down the street to 3230 LaGrange at Weber by 1951. The Godlewski family lived above the store having moved from 538 E. Streicher. Alice advertised her bridal outfits as "exclusive but inexpensive creations".
 
By 1958 the shop passed into the hands of Mrs. Irene Burke. She and her husband Joseph Burke remained in that location until the early 1980s when the "Bridal Aisle Boutique" relocated to the Southwyck Shopping Center on Reynolds Road in Toledo. A 1983 direcotory listed the 3230 LaGrange site as "vacant". The bridal store remained at the mall site through 1985. (Unfortunately, the once-bustling mall saw its pedestrian traffic decline when unruly teenagers made shopping unpleasant. Businesses did not renew their leases and the mall was eventually razed. )
The bridal shop moved to 2304 Reynolds in the former Carpet Connections store by 1986. The Bridal Aisle Boutique's listing last appeared in a city directory in 1996. Its location became the home of a Catherines women clothing shop.
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My house in Michigan was designed by Robert A. Clark of Toledo in 1952. He worked with Karl Hoke who was pretty well known in the Toledo area and eventually became his partner. I found the records from a tax case where he was called to testify on a house that he had designed in the Toledo area and the testimony said that he was responsible for 75 to 100 homes. I was wondering if you might have any information on some of his other work. The style of our home would have been very contemporary in its day.
Thanks!
 
David Devine
Bloomfield, MI
 
 
Hi David,
 
Robert A. Clark graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in architecture. After his graduation in 1941, Mr . Clark worked on various WWII projects serving as an architect and architectural engineer in the research laboratory of General Motors Technical Center near Detroit.
 
4347 Sadalia DriveIn 1946 Mr. Clark became associated with Karl B. Hoke, a Toledo-area architect with an office on Madison Avenue, enventually becoming his partner in 1954. The firm became known as Hoke, Clark & Nickerson. Robert and his wife Gloria lived at 326 Waggoner Blvd. in 1948.
 
Architect Clark was personally responsible for the sketches, drawings and specifications for a two-bedroom ranch-style house constructed by contractor Fred Entenman at 4327 River Road in 1951. Unfortunately, a lawsuit was filed by its owners Raymond and Elizabeth Tank when large cracks appeared in mutiple locations within the house. Its location near the banks of the Maumee River was suggested as the culprit.
A 1958 article in a local newspaper noted that Robert Clark was the architect-in-charge of a project which doubled the size of the Rossford Funeral Home, 1001 Perrysburg Road.
 
The September 23, 1973 issue of theToledo Blade featured a story regarding an energy-efficient home at 4347 Sadalia Drive which won American Home Magazine's "Home of the Year". Constructed by Scholz Homes, Inc., the home is located in Rudgate in the Woods, Plat 4 and is situated on lot 66. The architect quoted in the article was Robert A. Clark.
We contacted Scholz Homes which was founded by Don Scholz in 1946 and spoke with a representative who told us that home plans from earlier times are stored in their archives but no addresses for those homes are recorded. An individual recognizing their home's plans and exterior sketch could find out who the vendors were that supplied windows, doors, etc. for those early Scholz houses.
 
A 1979 Polk Toledo Directory indicated that Mr. Clark worked for Angel, Mull & Associates located at 3049 W. Sylvania in Toledo.
We contacted Mr. Joseph Angel who last put Robert Clark in Stuart, Florida and believes he would be in his late 80s or early 90s. Mr. Angel also noted that his firm designed mainly commercial buildings and only a few surburban homes. His archives are long lost.
A 1956 AIA directory listed a brief biographical sketch for a Robert Allen Clark. He was born in Topeka, Kansas on August 20, 1918. That would put his age at 94 today.
 
 
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My name is Frank Birckhead. My last name is not very common except where I live, Charlottesville, Virginia. Actually to be accurate, most of the Birckheads live in the northwest portion of Albemarle County surrounding Charlottesville.

Thus I was surprised to run across Birckhead Place in Toledo. It seemed to be a fine development, ahead of it's time in many ways. My question is do you have any information about the developers and how the name Birckhead was chosen? Is there somewhere I might do some research on the Birckheads of Toledo?

Thank you in advance.

Frank Birckhead
Charlottesville, VA 22903
 
 
Peter Birckhead, the namesake of Birckhead Place, was a native son of the state of Maryland arriving in Toledo in 1854. His business was known as the Vulcan Iron Works, of which he was president at the time of his death in 1888. He was the son of Dr. Lenox and Mary (Hoffman) Birckhead of Baltimore, Maryland.
His homestead was located at 2816 Cherry Street in Toledo near the intersection with Rosalind.
 
Among his most intimate friends at the time of his death was Charles F. Curtis and Valentine H. Ketcham. His second wife and now-widow Mary Titus Birckhead continued to live at their estate along with daughter Harriet. Son Lenox Birckhead, a clerk with the Vulcan Iron Works Co., resided at 426 Floyd in 1891. Later he and his sister Harriet moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Later directories do not indicate any residents by the surname of Birckhead after Lenox and his sister's departure from Toledo.
 
The September 30, 1904 issue of the Toledo News Bee reported that the Birckhead Place Addition had been filed with the auditor's office that very day. The plans included the demolition of the old Birckhead homestead at the corner of Cherry and Rosalind streets. The 22-acre property owned by the C. F. Curtis estate was to be divided into 78 lots.
 
Your HIstory Detective
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I found a room key that has a tag that says it’s from the Hotel De Veaux, Toledo, Ohio. I was wondering if this hotel existed during this time frame, and if there is a website I could go to verify if this key is authentic or not.
Thanks
John Sawyer
 
 
John,
The Hotel DeVeaux opened on May 21, 1900. It was located in downtown Toledo at the southeast corner of Jefferson and St. Clair and opposite the Jefferson House. The cost was $2.00 a day which included many amenities including steam heat, electric lights, a telephone on every floor and free baths. The 70-room hotel was run according to the American Plan with Thomas DeVeaux as the proprietor.
 
The hotel appears to have changed names as the 1907 directory does not list a hotel by that name. Mr. DeVeaux, having moved from the hotel to 1709 Jefferson, then operated restaurants at 308 Summit and 509 Madison.
 
I do not know of any websites that can verify your key as authentic. My gut instinct is that you have found a key to Toledo's grand past. You may wish to consider donating the key to the Toledo History Museum located on Collingwood Avenue in Toledo's Old West End. It would make a great addition to a growing collection of Toledo memorabilia.
Your History Detective
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416-18 North ErieHi my name is Brittany. I am a full time student and an employee of the Toledo Legal Building at 416 N. Erie St. It’s a very old building and I’m very curious as to its history and what kinds of businesses and people have been in and out of here. Hope to hear back from you!  Thanks
 
BrittanyMarie Taber
 
 
Thanks for your questions.
 
The property is recorded as 418 N. Erie in the legal description at the Lucas County Auditors' Office.
 
According to the 1910 Polk's Toledo Directory, the building was the site of the Juvenile Detention Home with Mrs. Rose Castle as the superintendent. By 1918, in addition to the Juvenile Court Detention Home, it was the site of the Lucas County Childrens' Home offices. The 1924 directory included the Toledo Humane Society as an addtional tenant. 1929 through 1935 directories indicated that these three entities continued to share this building as their locations. 1940s directories continue to list the Toledo Humane Socitey, the Lucas County Children's Home offices and the renamed Lucas County Child Study Institute. The 1958 directory listed the Brown Building as located at 416 N. Erie and the 1961 directory listed that address as having the Lucas County Child Welfare offices on the 2nd floor and the Lucas County Board of Health on the 4th floor. The Toledo Humane Society was located at the 418 address.
Hope this helps you understand the history of your workplace.
 
Your HIstory Detective
 
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After my successful book, "Jacobson's: I miss it so!" last year, I am writing another entitled "The Three 'L's" about Lasalle's, The Lion Store, and Lamson's, to be published in the fall by The History Press. I have done a great deal of research, but have not found "a treasure trove" of either archival materials or verbal anecdotes from former employees and customers. Do you know of any?
On a recent research trip to Toledo, I stopped in at Dillard's in the Franklin Park Mall, and spoke to a couple of ladies in the office. The said they were "Lion Store People" and offered to get me in contact with former employees, but so far, I have heard nothing further from them. Does anyone in Toledo actually remember Lamson's? Also, not many seem to have memories or even interest in Lasalle's, in spite of the fact that it was known as "the Hub of Toledo" at one time.
 
Thanks for your help & interest.
 
 
Kind regards:
Bruce Allen Kopytek
 
 
postskriptum - you may enjoy "The Department Store Museum," my blog, and a work in progress.
 
Bruce,

I'd like to use your request for information about these 3 department stores on the front page of this website. Perhaps one of our viewers can provide you with more information and their memories of these local businesses.
 
 
Your History Detective
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Dear History Detective,
 
My great great aunt, Edith McDowell, attended a business college in Toledo in 1896 and immediately went to work for a bond firm in the Spitzer building. Are there any records as to the businesses located in the building at the time? Any help would be appreciated. Incidentally, Edith and her sister Grace went on to become celebrities in early radio, recording and broadcasting Hawaiian music in the 1920s. They wrote their memoirs in 1930 at the end of their careers and speak highly of their Ohio origins. We recently discovered the manuscript in the family archives and are preparing to publish it. I’d be happy to furnish you with a copy in exchange for your assistance.
Thank you!
TODD DOWNING
Seattle, WA
 
Hi Todd,

We took a quick look at the 1896 city directory, but could not find "Edith" nor "Grace" McDowell.
The 1907 directory has a listing for a "Grace C. McDowell", a stenographer for Spitzer & Co. who boards at 227 E. Broadway. We found that address to be the home of Daniel McDowell, a driver. Daniel sppears to have passed by 1910 since the directory of that year shows Hester, the widow of Daniel McDowell, living at 534 Norwood and a Beula McDowell boarding at that address.
The 1907 directory also shows Edith E. Loomis as boarding at 227 E. Bancroft Street. Her occupation is noted as a stenographer at Spitzer & Co.
A 1910 directory shows Edith Loomis as boarding at 324 Chesrough Apts. Her occupation is noted as a stenographer at the city solicitor's office.

The 1907 directory only listed two bond houses; American Finance & Securities Co, 1028 The Spitzer; and Bonner & Co. in the Spitze Arcade located on the main floor. That same 1907 directory shows Allan W. McDowell boarding at 227 E. Bancroft. He is noted as a driver.

1910 directory shows George S. McDowell as a sander living at 812 Walbridge.

The 1910 directory listed a Peter Wyek as passing at aged 65 on July 1, 1910. Not sure if this is the same gentleman that Elma married.

By the way, an interesting thing is that single children and wives were listed as boarders in early directories and later, as roomers.
Your HIstory Detective
p.s. W'e love to have a copy of the memoirs you have mentioned.
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Can you provide me with some historical data on “The Ohio Lumber and Manufacturing Company, Inc. of Toledo, Ohio. My wife was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio and she has a stock certificate from her great-grandfather dating back to 1893 but we can’t find anything out about this company ever being in existence. We were wondering if you could help shed some light on this company and how long it may have existed. It was incorporated. The secretary on the certificate was B.L. Paine and the president was a John M. Ormoud or Ormond…;
Ohio Lumber and Manufacturing StockAny information on this company would be helpful. The stock certificate is tattered and worn and my wife wants to frame it. The corporate seal is also on there with the same name. We would just like to find some historical data background on this company. Many thanks for your assistance.
Bill Rainey
P.O. Box 1804
Leander, TX 78646
 
 
Bill,

We did a quick search for the Ohio Lumber and Mfg . Co. to no avail; however, we will not give up.

The 1896 directory has lawyer John M. Ormond living at 2233 Ashland with his office at 823-26 The Spitzer (downtown office bldg). Bertram L. Paine boarded at 2233 Ashland and his office was at 824 The Spitzer. His occupation was listed as real estate and insurance.

Thanks for writing. We will continue to investgate this lumber business.
 
Your History Detective
 
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Hi!
I’m not familiar with Toledo and don’t know if my question is pertinent to your West End area, but I recently purchased two photos in glass covered oval frames at an auction of my aunt’s. No one in the family (either side) has been able to identify the man or woman, but covering the back of the man’s frame was a sheet of brown paper whose underside had a postal stamp from Toledo, Ohio dated 1934 and an address sticker with the return address of The Gross Photo Supply Company, 1501-17 W. Bancroft St., Toledo, Ohio. It was sent to Steeler Photo Studio, McCook, Nebraska (which is where my aunt lived). We have ancestors who lived in the Circleville and Columbus, Ohio areas. The photos in the frames I estimate to be from the late 1880s-1890s with the age of the individuals 50-70 years old. I’ve considered that it is probable the paper was added much later, but that still doesn’t explain the connection with Toledo. I have some knowledge of family history for these generations, but few to no pictures from the 19th century. Thought I might get some clues from the address, but the date puzzles me. Can you give me any history on the Gross Photo Supply Company that might lead to some clues? I’m sure my aunt never lived in Ohio, but her maiden surname is Leist and there are lots of Leists still in the Circleville, Ohio area. Her married surname is Sines, and yes, it is possible that the portrait is from that side of their family. I’ve entertained the idea that the photos were older ones that had been in the family and were later passed on to family in Kansas/Nebraska sometime after 1934. They could have used paper on hand (from 1934—recycling!) to back the photos in the frames. The paper even could have been from wrapping of other photos totally unrelated to these.
 
 
Thanks. Kathy
 
 
Dear Kathy,
 
 
Gross Photo Supply Company in 1916Thanks for your inquiry about the Gross Photo Supply Company. Photographer Oliver Gross and his wife Gara had moved from Wisconsin eastward about 1904 stopping in Toledo. Finding it to their liking, they decided to stay here rather than continue on to Pennsylvania. The couple moved into 2012 Ashland. Oliver started a studio, Johnston & Gross, selling photo supplies with George Johnston at 505 Summit street in downtown Toledo and by 1906 went into business with Pratt Tracy to open Gross & Tracy Photo Supply Company at 432 Summit. Mr. Gross bought Mr. Tracy out in 1914 and changed the business' name to the Gross Photo Supply Company. It was soon known as the largest Kodak store in Toledo and the largest photo supply house between New York and Chicago. The store featured Kodak finishing, drawing materials and artists supplies. By the early 1920s, it also sold Conklin pens and pencils. In 1925 the store opened a new radio department. The retail store moved to 325-27 Superior street by 1931 with its main office and plant located at 1715 Spielbush. The business manufactured photographic mountings at that site. By 1934 the family lived at 2631 Scottwood and their business office was located at 339 Superior with a branch at 1501 W. Bancroft. By 1945 the retail division was separated from Gross Photo Supply; its name was the Gross Photo Mart with Oliver's son Robert as the president. It was relocated to 232-36 Huron street with a branch at 3301 W. Central. In the 1960s, the store carried a full line of sporting equipment.
 
 
Oliver Gross passed away in 1957 at the age of 82 in his home at 2621 Robinwood. His son Robert was named president of the Gross Photo Supply Company. A 1979 city directory still listed the company but by 1983 Gross Photo Supply Company disappeared from the listings.
 
 
 
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