Ask Our History Detective

 

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Do you have a Toledo history question?  Are you researching your Old West End home?  Email our history detective at lrs2709@bex.net.  We can help!

 

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Dear History Detective,   I am doing some family history research.  The story that is always told is that Sylvester Francis Cashen (an Irish immigrant) owned a saloon with a hotel above near the Cherry Street bridge in Toledo, OH.  Unfortunately, my understanding is that the bridge was built in 1914 and Sylvester died December 31, 1899.  Could there be any truth to this old family tale?  If so, do you know the name of the saloon?

Heather,

John Killits in his 1923 three-volume books entiltled Toledo and Lucas County, Ohio Vol. 1 stated "The first bridge over the Maumee was at Cherry Street and was opened to traffic in the fall of 1855".
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Do you have any information on  W.G.HIGHT & CO.  

I found this on a brass plaque embedded in the sidewalk to my home, 2853 Rockwood, 1913. And am curious about the Cement Contractors who laid the sidewalk.  

 

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My husband and I took our children for a walk today in the Old West End and we came accross a building that was very interesting to us but we can not find any information about it. The adress is 2416 Glenwood.  It is abandoned.  We are just very interested to know the history about this building.

 

Chanel Williams

 

Dear Chanel,

The property you have admired is an eight-unit apartment building known as Glenwood Court.  Its listing appeared in city directories around 1910.  It Spanish-revival exterior features stucco wall treatment.

Recently refurbished by Neighborhoods-in-Partnership, a city of Toledo redevelopment group which is now defunct, it has been allowed to fall into disrepair at an alarming rate.  

Your HIstory Detective

 

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Aaron Chesbrough's brother's home was at 2220 Robinwood. His name was Abram Chesbrough.  Can you tell me something of the history.

 

Best regards.   

JoAnn

 

JoAnn,

2220 Robinwood appeared as early as 1896 in the Polk's city directories.  It was the home of Abram M. Chesbrough, the president of the Chesbrough Lumber Company, and his wife Bell.  Augusta Witt served as the family's live-in domestic in 1896.  The house is incorrectly dated as being constructed in 1909 by the Lucas County Auditor's Office which by chance is the year that the garage was built with a chaffeur's quarters above the bays.

The 1900 Polk's Toledo City Directory listed Mr. Chesbrough as the vice-president of the National Bank of Commerce.  May Huffmaster and Mary Wiser were servants for the Chesbrough family that year.

By 1921, Amelia Brown, the widow of Daniel Brown, roomed with the family.

Your HIstory Detective

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Hello,

I am doing research on my Greek grandfather who settled in Pennslyvania.  My maiden name is Perros.  His name is James Perros.  If you have any information on him I would love to hear. I found some military records that I think are his on Ancestry.com that list his address as 321 Cherry Street, Toledo, OH in the 1920 US Census when he was in the military in the Panama Canal.  No one is aware of him spending any time in Ohio.  Can you tell me who owned the home at this address in 1920?  Was it a private residence?  Thanks for any insight at all you can offer!!!!

Best Regards,

Teri Petree, PMP

 

Dear Teri,

321 Cherry was the address of a restaurant run by Michael Arvinetes who along with Emanuel Arvinetes roomed at 1217 Erie Street.  The now-demolished building in the downtown would have been most likely three or four stories. 

The area is near the Greek Orthodox Church and is home to an annual Greek-American festival.

So far we have not found the name James Perros in any Toledo directory of that time.  We did see Mr. Perros, born in Greece, listed in the 1920 census as being a 22 year-old at Fort Amador, the Panama Canal Zone. 

Your HIstory Detective

 

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Hi ,

 

Can you tell me anything about the beautiful stone sidewalks of the OWE and also curious about the tile used for addresses back in the day ,the georgian one is still there..i think there was one for the Rosalie.

 

Many thanks in Advance,

 

 

 

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The Belle Hotel was located at 322-24 Jefferson Avenue at St. Clair Street.  In 1940 John Fishman who was the manager of the hotel lived there with his wife May.  Downstairs Patrick Carney sold beer.  He also lived in the hotel.  The Belle Hotel was still there in 1958 with the Golden Stairs Cafe then located in the basement.  By 1960 the address was the site of the Bell Parking Lot.

 

We were curious about the 322-24 address in earlier years.  The 1934 through 1937 city directories listed the address as the Milner Hotel.  Earlier yet from at least 1900 through 1931 the hotel was called the Jefferson Hotel.

 

Your HIstory Detective

 

 

“Jefferson Hotel, circa 1915, courtesy of the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library, obtained from http://images2.toledolibrary.org/.”

 

 

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hello detectives. i am looking for info on 2 locations in the 20s and or 30s in toledo. 1. the sifter cafe (could be a bar) and could be snifter.2. the betts apartments (could be betz). thank you very much.

robin butler

 

Robin,

The Betts Apartments were located in downtown Toledo at 135 14th Street.

 

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Dear History Detective, 

Hello!  I am not from Toledo.  I actually live in Hamburg Michigan. However, I think we share some common history with the good folks in Toledo.  As you may know, for a number of years in the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries, ice was transported from the lake area near me via the Ann Arbor railroad for consumption in Toledo. 

I just finished reading a book that is no longer available in print entitled “So the Ice Melts.”  It contains interesting stories and insights about the people of Toledo and the ice colony here in Michigan and some common bonds they shared.  Among these, was a general manager who was frequently on site during ice harvesting who the locals all knew as “Mr. Ed.”  By all accounts, Mr. Ed was a very generous and benevolent individual who earned deep respect and admiration of local ice colony residents as well as members of the Toledo homeless community who were transported to our community each year for room, board and salary in exchange for ice harvest labor. 

I would like to find out more about “Mr. Ed” and his full name.  The book suggests he worked for the Toledo Ice and Coal Company. According to my research, there was an “Ed’ who worked in a senior capacity at that company – but I do not believe this was the same person as it appears he was part of a national scandal. Similarly there was an “Ed Schuller” who worked for “Schuller Ice and Coal Company” and utilized the railroad for transportation – but, from my limited investigation, this does not appear to be Mr. Ed either.

I appreciate your help as well as any additional information you may have about connections between Toledo companies and residents and the ice community in Hamburg, Michigan (often referred to as Lakeland, Michigan during that time period).

Thank you!

Curt

 

Dear Curt,

We'd love to read your book about the ice industry and its Toledo connections.

The 1907 Polk's Toledo Directory has a couple advertisements that you might find interesting.  One is from the Toledo Ice and Coal company that you mentioned in your inquiry.  The ad stated, "Our ice is cut in Whitmore Lake, Michigan....."  The other advertisement was by George Schuller, a wholesale and retail ice dealer at 712 Superior Street.  It mentioned "Zuke Lake Ice" and the statement "Ice Houses located at Hamburg Jct. Michigan."

We'll keep researching as to the identity of Mr. Ed.

Your HIstory Detective

 

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Dear History Detective-

I am writing in regards to find out a little more information about the address; 401 Jefferson Avenue.  Prior to the Toledo Seagate Convention Centre.  I just can't seem to find anything on that location. Any insight that could be of help? Thank you in advance!

 

 

 

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Dear History Detective,

 

Hello and good afternoon. I was wondering if you could tell me anything about Brown's Inn Wernert's Corners in West Toledo, Ohio. I have a token from them and can't find out any information.

Thank you!

Pat

 

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Hello, I am writing for information on the Knights family who lived in Toledo during the 1800's. Lydia Knights married David Burritt Scott in 1851 and moved to Toledo; according to the 1882 directory they lived at 209 Monroe Street. Dexter Knights, Lydia's brother, moved to Toledo from Painesville and died around 1871 leaving a widow, Mary Ann Knights, who continued to live in Toledo until her death in 1903. Mary Ann lived with her son-in-law Henry Asa Fifield on Bancroft Street.

Thank you for your web site, "One picture is worth ten thousand words." Thank God for the photographers!

Thank you again! Have a great day!

Teresa

 

Thanks for writing, Teresa,

The 1891 Polk's Toledo Directory listed a David B. Scott, physician, as a boarder at 1113 Monroe Street.  Mary A. Knights, the widow of Dexter Knights. resided at 711 1st. Street in East Toledo, where Henry A. Fifield, a yacht captain, also lived.  The 1896 directory included a Henry D. Fifield, a marine engineer, as boarding at that latter address.

By 1900, Henry A. Fifield had moved to 142 Oswald and Harry Fifield and Mary Knights boarded there.

Ellen J. Fifield, the widow of Henry, boarded at 119 Oswald, the next home of her son Harry.

Harry roomed at 412 Erie according to both the 1918 and 1921 city directories, but his name disappeared by 1924 from the listings.

Your History Detective

 

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We had purchased the building at 416-18 Bancroft Street back in 2010 and we have hardly any information on it!  The information you may have would really help us!!  We also purchased our home in1997 at 2255 Parkwood Ave and we love it here!

Thank You! Gloria and Dan Powers

 

Gloris and Dan,

The Colonial Flats were the names of two apartment houses with two locations; one being 310 Platt and the other one located at 418 West Bancroft according to the 1907 Polk's Toledo Directory.  The 1900 city directory had only listed the flats at 310 Platt.

Interestingly, the Lucas County auditor's records list 418's construction date as 1887.  However, no such address appeared in the 1880s nor 1890s' directories .  The 1891 city directory listed a 416 West Bancroft as the home of Henry Hewitt, a travel agent (salesman) who employed Lena Rutzow as his live-in domestic.  Henry Hewitt still resided at 416 in 1896 with several boarders, but by 1900 resided at 440 West Bancroft.  The 416 address did not appear in the 1910 directory.

We'll keep researching. 

Your HIstory Detective

 

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My great great grandfather Henry Gross was 1/2 of the mercantile
business Henry and Gross in East Toledo in the late 1800s.  I don't
know much about him or the business...other than the photo in the
Toledo Public Library's collection.

My great grandfather Louis Gross worked for the Toledo Electric
Streetcar Company until he moved to Wisconsin in the middle 1890s.

I am hoping to find some information on the Henry and Gross company.
I know the building is still there, or was last time I used Google
street views.

I have one clipping from our family files which I will enclose.  I'm
not certain if Henry was also called Herman, or if this is his
son...Louis's brother.

Thank you,

Richard York

 

Richard,

The 1891 Polk's Toledo Directory listed Henry & Gross as grocers doing business from 121 Bridge Street.  A. Frank Henry and Herman Gross lived at 121 Bridge along with Henry Jr. and Gustav Gross who boarded at the same address.  Henry Jr. and Gustav were clerks at Henry & Gross.

By 1896  A. Henry lived at 625 1st Street where the grocery business was relocated.    The Gross family resided at 136 Foundry. 

The 1900 city directory revealed that  Adelbert F. Henry had moved to 505 Platt Street, Herman Gross of Henry & Gross lived at 621 1st., Henry Gross at 136 Foundry, Henry Gross Jr. at 447 4th and Gustav Gross at 509 Platt.  Henry Jr. and Gustav were now the proprietors of the Gross Brothers, grocers, located at 214-16 Main Street in East Toledo.  Henry & Gross had relocated to 115-117 Main Street.  The 1907 directory listed the same addresses for these two grocery stores.

Your HIstory Detective

 

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My husband has acquired a Clipper Seed cleaner that we think was manufactured in Saginaw, MI in the early 1900's. Henry A Philipps Seed and Implement Toledo, Ohio is stenciled on the side panel, so we are assuming that he was a dealer for these machines. The little that we could find on him makes us feel like he was quite prominent and maybe innovative  as a seed dealer, so now we are interested his history, and the history of his company. We also want to see if our dates for this machine match up to the time he was in business.

We need to be in the Monroe, MI area the end of March, and are considering a visit to Toledo , especially if we can find some historical sites relating to the Mr. Phillips and/or early agriculture in your area.

Thank You for any information you can share.

Kathy Lubbers

 

Thanks for your inquiry.

 

The Henry Phillipps Seed & Implement Company was established in 1852 and incorporated in 1888.  The 1891 Polk's Toledo Directory listed the business as dealers in reliable seed, farm implements, machinery, wagons, carriages, etc.  Their motto was "The Oldest Seed House in Northwestern Ohio".  Their storefront was located at 115-117 St. Clair in downtown Toledo.

The president of the company was Henry Phillipps who died at the age of 67 on February 28, 1896.  His wife Emma continued to live in their elegant villa located at 220 Columbia.   Unfortunately, this mansion was stripped by vandals and destroyed by fire years ago. 

The company still remained in business as late as 1907 with Charles J.S. Phillipps as its president and Henry J. Phillipps of 2260 Fulton Street as its secretary and treasurer.  Henry and Emma's son Herman became the president of the Ohio Seed Company.  His home was located at 2257 Putnam in 1907.

We would recommend a visit to Sauders Museum near Archbold Ohio to witness early farm life in Northwestern Ohio.  Their website is www.saudervillage.org

 

Regards,

Your History Detective

 

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Hello – I lived at 3252 Collingwood Blvd. in 1981. My mother used this property as group home for psychiatric clients. We experienced numerous paranormal activity while living at this home. I wanted to get some additional history if possible. My current research begins in 1909-1912 Charles & Leonara (Barks) Burge.  1918-? Anton Boerder owned the home. My mother went down to the public records department and found that the male owner of the property dies approx. every two years after owning the home. My mother’s boyfriend died two years to the day June 8^th 1981-1983 after she signed the lease to this property. The paranormal activity involved sightings of women around the main stairway and 3^rd. floor ballroom.  Can you provide any additional history and possible insight regarding this matter.

Thanks

Chuck Hackenberg

 

Hi Chuck,

My research shows that the first owner of 3252 Collingwood was Charles S. Burge as early as 1907.  He and his wife Leonora (Barks) Burge still lived here in 1910 according to the city directory of that year.  A biographical book printed in 1923 listed Mr. Burge as living at 2447 Scottwood. 

Anton Boerder, the manager of the High Speed Tools Corporation, along with roomers Helen Boerder and Frank Boerder lived here according to the 1918 city directory. 

John J. Walper, a grain dealer,  and his wife Caroline lived here from at least 1921 through 1946.  Norman and Dalton were their sons.  

Obviously, the belief that the male owners of this house die within two years of ownership is only a myth.  Yet how fun would it be to tell this story on a dark spooky Halloween night sitting in the parlor of this Old West End mansion.

Your History Detective 

 

 

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Dear History Detective.

We are perplexed at discovering a special, but seemingly abandoned ( although a light was detected in upper levels) old, ornate apartment building. The address also presents bafflement, in that it possesses two; one address is 3769 Lockwood, then around the corner another entrance clearly displays 1209 Berdan Avenue.
 

There has been vandalism and neglect leaving it in a state of deterioration, but it still turns heads!   

A coat of arms or crest, done in colors of light blue and yellow, is inlaid in ceramic tiles onto the upper face of both the front and side of the stone building. Seeming collegiate, perhaps it was part of the university, or a school, or some sort of fraternal housing.

The Toledo Lucas County auditor's website, ARIES gives not even a clue...unusual!

Can you give us any insight into the history and current status of this unique stand-out site just three blocks from the original Mancy's Steakhouse at Phillips, Lewis, and Sylvania Avenues?

Thank you kindly,

Ms. Laney

 

We found your building of interest listed as 3765 Lockwood on the Lucas County auditor's site.  3769 Lockwood was constructed in 1930 and was known as the Seville Apartments.  Mrs. Alice Madison was the caretaker and lived in Apartment A, most likely a basement dwelling.  There were 12 other units in the building.  Six of the apartments, numbered 1 through 6 had a 3769 Lockwood address while apartment numbers 7 through 12 had a 1209 Berdan address.

The 1931 Polk Toledo Directory listed Mrs. Madison, Robert Frances (#1), Fred Catlin (#2), Fred Daus (#3), Merrill Cook (#4), G. L. Wagner (#5), Giles Mundy (#6), #7 was vacant, Edward Gemerchak (#8), James Blue (#9), Ralph Oldham (#10), #11 was vacant, and James Down (#12).

Your HIstory Detective

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Dear History Detective,

We are intrigued by an apartment building having the oversized name of 'Rosalie" inlaid into the original brick front walkway. It was built in 1917. It is located at 3809 Drexel in Toledo, Ohio.

Hopefully you can enlighten us further about this building's history!

Thank you kindly,

Teale

 

The Rosalie, 3809 Drexel Drive, seems to have been built around 1928, not in 1917 as the auditor has indicated in that office's records.  The 1925 directory listed the property at 3807-09 as vacant.  Most likely the building was under construction that year.  The Rosalie is a 3-story apartment building with six living units.

The 1928 Polk's Toledo Directory listed B. L. Isenberg (#1), L. M. Cosgrove (#2), #3 and #4 were vacant, M. G. Wrigley (#5) and Lawrence Wheeler (#6). 

We'll see if we can find out more about this property. 

Your HIstory Detective

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Do you have any information about persons of some fame or some infamy buried at Woodlawn Cemetery? The Woodlawn site has mostly information about members of prominent families and civic/business/military sort. The story of the Ludwig monument is interesting as it has details about Bessie Ludwig and the concept of the easy chair in that huge memorial.

William E. Richards is a bit of interest for designing the lighting for Statue of Liberty. I have the story of William Harbeck. victim of the Titanic buried at Woodlawn, who was intending to film the arrival at New York. It is a great story and the details are at http://www.encyclopedia-titanica.org/titanic-victim/william-harbeck.html.

Other than the very brief Ludwig account the Woodlawn history has nothing much of personal biography that makes much of a story, discounting the military sorts that are of historical interest.

Dennis Szilak

 

Hi Dennis,

Historian Fred Folger would add the name of Chief Justice Morrison Waite to your list of notables buried at Toledo's Woodlawn Cemetary on Central Avenue.  East Side's Waite HIgh School was named in his honor.  Chief Justice Waite was appointed to this court postiion by President Grant.  

Mr. Waite successfully represented the United States after the Civil War as legal counsel in its efforts to make Great Britain pay reparation for the damages done to U. S. shipping interests by Confederate boats constructed in England for use against the Union forces. 

 

The office at Woodlawn has a brochure available which highlights prominent burials within its cemetary.

 

Your HIstory Detective

 

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This is likely a question beyond your interest, but there's the remnant of a bridge, pillars in the river and foundations on the west bank, immediately to the south of the current Maumee - Perrysburg bridge, but do you have any info on this structure?  My Dad thought it was used by the Electric Railway, but wasn’t sure.

Also, closer to home, there was a tunnel that went under South Detroit Ave (See attached map.).  When I lived around it in the early 50's, it was still accessible via a ~ 3' X 5' hole and you could see the interior was made of red brick.  I can't offer any significant detail regarding it because, fearing a collapse, I never had the nerve to actually go inside, but, with a flashlight from the entry, I could see it was about 15' high with an arched ceiling.  Again, my Dad thought this structure had something to do with the Electric Railway.  I visited the site about five years ago, but it had obviously collapsed, likely many years ago.  Do you have any info on this structure?  I'm really curious where it went.   

Thx. 

Joel

 

Dear Joel,

Your father was right!   The pillars and foundations you describe are all that remain of the former Toledo, Bowling Green and Southern Interurban according to historian Fred Folger.  Toledo was once a hub of many electric railways which served the surrounding communities.

Regarding the second half of your inquiry, we are at a loss to explain what you describe.  We'll keep looking for an answer.

Your History Detective

 

 

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I was born in the Meredith Hotel which was located near the present site of the downtown main Toledo OH library.  I know it was converted into an office building with Community Traction offices among others, and later converted into its current state, a parking lot.  Unfortunately, though, I've been unable to find a photo or discover much of anything else about it.  Hopefully, you have some info.

 

Thx.

Joel

 

 

Joel,

The 1907 through the 1946 Polk city directories listed the Meredith Building & Hall at 206 Michigan.  The mixed-use building was located at the northeast corner of Michigan at Jefferson.  It was even home to the University of Toledo at one time.  The Toledo News-Bee has a great photo of the Meredith Building in their November 21, 1934 issue.  Your family lived in unit 501 in 1941, the year of your birth.

By 1948, the building was renamed the Frumkin Building with the Frumkin Grill located in the lobby.  The 4th and 5th floor rooms became the general offices of the Community Traction Company.  Community Traction's offices were still located in the Frumkin Building in 1954.

The building's name was changed again to the Port Lawrence Building by 1958.  The former Meredith Building was destroyed by fire in June of 1972.

Your History Detective

"Photo courtesy of the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library, obtained from http://images2.toledolibrary.org/.”

 

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I have read your OWE book several times and have thoroughly enjoyed it.  We placed a bid on a house in the OWE a few years back, but ended up purchasing a lovely home in Westmoreland.  I was wondering if you have any information on our house 1944 Richmond?  We have checked the Westmoreland Association records and website to no avail. 

Thanks and keep up the great work!

Robyn Hage

 

Dear Robyn,

The 1928 and 1929 Polk city directories listed Henry G. Himelhoch and his wife Bessie Himelhoch along with daughter Gladys as the residents of 1944 Richmond Road.  Their son Geoffrey and his wife Annette lived at 519 Nottingham Terrace in the Old West End in 1929.   German-born 24 year-old Mary Crote was he family servant in 1930.  Henry Himelhoch was the president and treasurer of the The Himelhoch Company which was incorporated in 1924.  The store which sold ladies' and mens' clothing and jewelry was located downtown at 434 Summit.   The March 14, 1924 issue of the "Toledo News Bee" contained an advertisement for the store's opening day.  Mr. Himelhoch's image appeared in the ad along with images of D. L. Geissman and Walter Rosengarten. 

The 1925 Polk City Directory listed the Himelhochs as living at 2715 Parkwood in the Old West End.  The auditor's office records state that 1944 Richmond was constructed in 1925.

Thanks for writing.  We will keep researching your Westmoreland home.

Your History Detective

 

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I’d like to compliment you on your wonderful website for Toledo’s “Old West End”.  I spent time today enjoying your pictures and history today, and plan to enjoy more later.

I would also like to ask the “History Detective” where I can find more history and pictures of the old breweries that used to be in Toledo; Grasser & Brand, Huebner, Eagle, Home Brewing, Maumee Brewing Co., Buckeye, etc. 

I have developed a passion for these old breweries but am finding that there is limited info and pictures available on the internet.

Thanks!

Kurt Harris

 

Dear Kurt,

We checked our Polk city directories for information on Toledo's early brewing establishments.  Some of them, their incorporation dates and early presidents are:

     Grasser & Brand Brewing Company     1877     Joseph Grasser-President     Closed 1910    Sold to Huebner-Toledo

     Buckeye Brewing Company     1885     Dennis Coghlin-President    Founded 1838     Closed 1972

     Finlay Brewing Company    1886     T. C. Purney Sr.-President

     Schmitt Brewing Company  1886     C. Unbehaun-President

     Eagle Brewing     (As early as 1891)     C. Unbehaun_President

    Toledo Brewing and Malting Company    (As early as 1891)  Peter Lenk-President

     Joseph Schlitz Brewing Company     (As early as 1896)     Emil Christen-Agent

     Maumee Brewing Company    (As early as 1900)     N. W. Kendall of New Haven-President

     Home Brewing     1902     H. C. Kruse-President     Closed circa 1930 and machinery sold to Mexican interests

     Huebner-Toledo Brewing  Company     1905     James Pilliod-President

     Bavarian Brewing Company     1907     Carl A. Huebner-President

May we suggest a visit to the Toledo Brewing Hall of Fame and Museum located in the Oliver House, 27 Broadway, in Toledo.  There you will see a wide collection of Toledo brewing memorablia.  A pamphlet is available listing the most successful early Toledo breweries, dates of operation, and the administrator or brewmaster's name.

We'll search for more information for you.  Maybe some of our guests can provide us with images of these early breweries.  Please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Regards,

Your History Detective  

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Hi,

I don’t know if you are able to find out this information.  It concerns a store that was located in downtown Toledo probably in the 1950s or 1960s.  Downtown Toledo was such a hopping place back then.  My grandmother, my mom, my sister and I would take the bus near Upton Avenue and Berdan Avenue and go downtown to go shopping.  In later years, my mom would drive, and we would often park in the Tiedtke’s parking lot down on Water Street.  But, my grandmother would buy corsets at this shop downtown that sold “foundations” (I believe that’s what they were called).  The shop was located below street level downtown.  There were a number of stores that were below street level back then. 

 

 

There is an old story in my family about Douglas Road and I wanted to confirm if it was true or not.  My mother's maiden name was Douglas.  Her Grandfather was pretty well known in the Toledo area.  As I was growing up, they always told me that Douglas Road was named after my great grandpa Neil Wesley Douglas Sr.  Is this true?

Doug Harris

 

 

 

Dear Mr. Harris,

Thanks for writing.   Our initial research uncovered a story by John N. Grisby in the Toledo Blade on October 21, 1992 which discussed the history of Douglas Road.  Apparently, the source of its naming was a mystery in 1992 as it remains today. 

One clue to its naming as cited in the Blade article was a notation in a surveyor's workbook found in the county engineer's office stating that a "principal petitioner"  to improve a township road in 1913 was D. O. Douglas.  It implied that those working on the project to grade, drain and macadamize the road from Laskey to the state line referred to it as "the Douglas road project."

Mr. Donald O. Douglas and his wife Kate lived at 2144 Fulton in 1907.  He was the owner of the Toledo Metal Sign Company.  By the time the 1910 Polk City Directory was published, the family had moved to Trilby, Ohio.  Donald was 40 years old.  His children included Donald C. and George A. Douglas.  Agnes Krieger, age 20,  lived with the family in 1910.  The petition to improve the road was presented in December of 1913.  By the census of 1920, the family had relocated to Washtenaw, Michigan. 

We'll keep looking for the answer to your question.

Your History Detective

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I obtained a fur wrap with a label of "Emil Hoffman & Co.", The Alaska Fur Co., Toledo, OH.  I was wondering if you had any historical information on this company.  I would greatly appreciate it.  I have scoured the internet and haven't had much luck.  Thanks so much in advance!!

Steve Goad

Dayton, Ohio

 

 

The November 9, 1891 issue of the "Toledo Evening News" contained a feature story which interviewed Mr. Robert Sussman.  He stated that he and Mr. Emil Hoffman had been in the furrier business since 1884.   Sussman & Hoffman occupied a business at 403-05 Adams according to the 1891, 1896 and 1900 Polk city directories.  Their store was the Alaska Fur House.  Robert Sussman of 2214 Fulton (in 1900) and J. Emil Hoffman, 2109 Franklin, were furriers and taxidermists.  Elsie Sussman was the store's bookkeeper.

 

Robert Sussman was my Great, Great Grandfather and he came from  Reichenbach, Schlesien Germany around 1880. From New York he ended up in Toledo.  Robert enjoyed an education until age 14 when he was apprenticed for 3 years as a furrier. After this time he decided to practice his trade in the great cities of Germany. His longest tenure was in Bonn but eventually "America Fever" struck and he came to Detroit in 1875. In 1885 Robert, with his good friend and fellow furrier, Emil Hoffmann moved to Toledo and founded the "Alaska Fur House". The economic station of the family improved and the family moved into a magnificent dwelling on Fulton Street. But the death of Augusta (first wife) was a terrible setback for the family. By nature, Robert was a good hearted, sociable fellow and he played an important role in local German society. The German Gymnastics Club blossomed with his presence: at his suggestion and under his direction the German Theater Society was founded as an auxiliary to the gymnastics club. The Toledo Men's Choir has Robert as its first president. In 1892 he belonged to the Organizing Committee for the Centennial of Toledo: it was his idea to dress up 42 women in red, white and blue to represent the 42 states of the Union. Robert was a fur merchant in Toledo. He had "Sussman & Hoffmann" and also "Alaska Fur House". Augusta died from typhoid fever. It appears that Robert suffered severe financial setbacks during the "Crash of '07" from which he never fully recovered. On the morning of 11 March 1911 he went to his store as usual. Shortly after it is believed that he took a dose of arsenic and died later that morning in the arms of his wife. A suicide note, evidently written that morning after he arrived in his store, was found in his pocket, contents of which are as follows:

     "My dear wife, when you left me this morning your eyes were not open enough to see my excitement or how nervous I was. In a few hours I must die, but I go like a hero. I kept up as long as possible and saved every cent I could as long as I was able to work. What I will have to suffer I know. (Signed) Robert Sussman."

The suicide letter was later published in the Toledo Blade on the front page no less. There is a huge burial plot in the Woodlawn Cemetery that houses him, his wife, and one of his sons and his wife.

Again, thank you for contacting me. If you could find any info on Mr. Hoffmann that would be great. Hopefully I can make in to Toledo the next time I find myself heading to Detroit. Thanks again!

Sincerely,

Brian Sussman

 

 

Thanks for the question,

Your History Detective

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Do you have any records about or photos of the house that was at 1901 Collingwood ?  Or anything about Ida Marie Dowling.  She lived there all of her life, 1895-1958.  Her mother, Agnes Coghlin Dowling Wilson, was related to the Dennis Coghlin who owned Buckeye Brewery, but I can't seem to find the relationship on ancestry.com.

Richard,

It was earlier listed as 1861 Collingwood and was changed by 1896 to 1901 Collingwood.  It was originally the Sam Fisk home in the 1891 Polk City Directory and then by 1896 was the home of Harry Dowling.  By 1907 Herbert Wilson and his wife Eleanor lived here.  He was the sec/treas of the Buckeye Brewing Company.  Is Agnes a nickname for Eleanor?  Did Eleanor remarry after Harry Dowling passed?  I have no idea of any of this.  I'll have to explore.   

 

Thank you so much for your help.  Her maiden name was Eleanor Agnes Coghlin and she married Herbert Wilson after Sam Dowling died.  They had a son, Herbert Douglas Wilson, who was a friend of mine in Memphis.  Doug's claim to fame was his marriage to Ann Rork Getty in 1936.  She was one of J. Paul Getty's ex-wives.  He was a real character and told a lot of stories about Toledo.  He had a letter written by Irving Berlin to his half sister Ida.

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I saw a picture of Wuerfel's boathouse on one of the Toledo historical picture sites but can't recall where it was.  Do you have knowledge of this business?

ETM

 

Dear ETM,

I am currently researching your question.  One of my sources is Ramsey Brothers Restorations in Toledo who restore historic boats.  They are  checking their resources for any information or photographs.  I'll update this reply as I learn more.

Your HIstory Detective

 

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My name is Katie. My boyfriend just moved into the gorgeous house on 2058 Maplewood Ave. Toledo, Ohio.

I saw the 2 vintage pictures on your site that are stunning!  I am contacting you to find out if you have any information on this house? I know it was built in 1892.

Also, as I was using a map to look for the location, there is a building on the corner of Monroe and Maplewood...which is no longer there.  Do you know what this was?

Any news is good news!  I love history and the Old West End.  I'm hoping you know more info!

Thank you for your time!

Katie

Dear Katie,

2058 Maplewood was home to the Ivan Powers family according to the 1896 Polk City Directory.  Mr. Powers was a special examiner with the U. S. Bureau of Pensions.  The 1900, 1910 and 1921 directories listed Charles Curtis, a manager with the Aetna Life Insurance Company.  The live-in domestic in 1900 was Mollie Fraske.  Mary Holmes, the widow of Charles Holmes, boarded here according to the 1896, 1900 and 1912 directories.  Fremont Shepherd, who had a lunch room in the law building at 308 Erie, resided here from at least 1896 until 1912.

The Berkshire Apartments stood at 2640-48 Monroe Street at Maplewood.  The structure was first isted in the Polk City Directory around 1921.  It had 30 flats plus the caretaker's apartment in the basement.  The vacant and vandalized building was demolished after its forfeiture in 2008.  The City of Toledo has landbanked the empty lot and it is now-listed as 2044 Maplewood.

Thanks for writing, Katie.

Your HIstory Detective

 

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I thought that I read that the Nicholas Building had a foundation which had hundreds of oak trees sunk into it.  This was supposed to help stabize it.  Toledo was part of the Black Swamp.  Do you have any information about it?

Thank you

Michael W Tremp

 

Dear Michael,

 We spoke to Fred Folger, the dean of Toledo history, who confirmed that trees were used to stabilize the ground below the Nicholas Building.  The site on which the NIcholas Building was erected was a wet marshy area.  Pioneer records indicated the existance of Mud Creek, the forerunner of Swan Creek, which once ran through the downtown area.  Perhaps a flood altered the course of Mud Creek, leaving a low area while the creek itself (now-Swan Creek) emptied into the Maumee River near Monroe Street.

 

Nearly 1200 trees were pile-driven by steam equipment into the ground to prepare the site for construction.  Even today, sump pumps must constantly be run to keep the Nicholas basement from flooding.

 

Your  History Detective 

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I use to live at 3101 Scottwood.  It was an old house.  I would like to know if you have any history on this house. 

 Dear Mrs. Zuljevic,

3101 Scottwood was the home of John Reed in 1896 who worked as a clerk for the Toledo, St. Louis and Kansas City Railroad.  His sons, William and Walter, were also clerks with the same railroad.  John Kimball, a tower man, lived at 3101 Scottwood in 1910 while the 1918 city directory listed William Brenner and his son Felmer, a clerk, as the residents.  The 1921 city directory listed John Wilke, a cigarmaker, and roomer Esther Wilke, a telephone operator, along with Helen Wilke, a bookkeeper.  Ruth Wilke, a clerk with the Liggett Company, also roomed here in 1921.

According to the August 1973 issue of the Old West End Association's "Old West End Crier",  3101 Scottwood was demolished that same year.    I found this vintage photo of your former home on the "Images in Time" section of the Toledo-Lucas County Library's website. 

 “3101 Scottwoood, circa 1937, courtesy of the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library, obtained from http://images2.toledolibrary.org/.”

Your HIstory Detective

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Hi

By chance I came across this site and was amazed to find that the second query in the list is about the Spitzer family. I am researching my family of Brennan's from Co Roscommon, Ireland and have traced Margaret Brennan to the Spitzer house at 1910 Collingwood Blvd. She was married to  Joseph Beechey (in Mass.) who is listed in the census records as coachman and caretaker of the house. I know they had a son James. They all show up on the 1910 census, although Joseph and Margaret are named as "Buchy" - other census records have different spellings. What I'm after are stories about Margaret and her family and better still, photographs if they exist. Are there Spitzer family records that might hold such items? I live in the UK so researching outside of the mainstream websites is difficult. Can you help?

many thanks

Noel Masterson

 

 

Dear Noel,

Thanks for writing.  Several residents of our neighborhood research the past owners of their homes but few spend time researching the domestics who worked so hard to build a life for themselves, their families and descendents.  Many of the domestic workers in Toledo were newly-arrived immigrants from Ireland.   Their stories are especially interesting.

The name Joseph Beechey appeared in the 1896 Polk's Toledo City Directory as a hostler who worked for Charles Coe who owned a livery at 321 Ontario Street.  A hostler is defined as "a person who cares for horses."   Mr. Beechey lived at #8 Paris Flats.

 

The 1900 directory listed the Beecheys as living at 1910 Collingwood Avenue, the home of Ceilan Milo Spitzer.  Mr. and Mrs. Beechey both worked as domestics.  Mr. Beechey was the coachman and Mrs. Margaret Beechey was the cook.  Later directories revealed that they lived in the Garden House at the rear of the property.  The 1921 directory also listed their son James A. Beechey as an optometrist who roomed there.  By the time the 1924 directory was published, James J. A. Beechey had moved to 903 South Avenue and he was still there with his wife Mary in 1935.  The 1924 and 1935 directories listed his occupation as the manager of the Dispensing Optical Department with Rupp & Bowman located at 319 Superior.  James passed in October 1935 at age 45.  Joseph and Margaret remained at 1910 Collingwood in 1935 with Joseph's occupation listed as gardener.  The newspaper stated that Joseph's death occured at the Home for the Aged at 1616 Starr Avenue in East Toledo in August of 1936.  Margaret entered the Little Sisters of the Poor, Home for the Aged in late 1935 and passed away in early 1937.   The 1936 directory listed Mary C. Beechey as the widow of James J.  No other Beecheys were listed in either the 1936 or 1940 city directories.  The 1951 and 1958 directories listed Mrs. Mary C. Beechey with the Internal Revenue Service; Margaret Ann Beechey, a secretary with WSPD Radio and Television; and Rosemary Beechey, a stenographer with Toledo Edison (an electric company).  They all lived at 903 South.  By 1960 the three Beechey women moved to 4116 Forest Scene Drive.   Mary died in November 1967, daughter Rosemary passed away in July 1994, and daughter Margaret passed away in 1995.

 

Today, no Beecheys are listed in the local telephone directory.  The homes at 1910 Collingwood and 903 South Avenue are gone.  The last-known Beechey house in Toledo, 4116 Forest Scene Drive, remains standing.

We'll keep in touch as we continue to research your inquiry.

Your History Detective 

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We recently bought a house built by Ceilan Milo Spitzer, a renowned banker buried in Toledo.  However about the time the house in Medina (Ohio) was built in 1890,  it looks like he may have been living in Toledo at a different house, Innessfail?  Can you tell me where the Spitzers lived in Toledo and approximately when they lived there? 

Thanks so much for your help!!

Delane Richardson

 

Dear Delane,

Thank you so much for your emails regarding your new home in Medina, Ohio-The C. M. Spitzer Bed & Breakfast.  We are happy to research your questions regarding Ceilan Milo Spitzer, who with his cousin Adelbert L. Spitzer, organized a bank and bond office in Toledo with a branch in Boston, Massachusetts which was later moved to New York City.  The two cousins built the Spitzer Building (1893) and the Nicholas Building (1905) which still stand downtown.

You mentioned that your home was built in 1890 by Ceilan Spitzer.  The Spitzer family moved from Batavia, New York to Medina in 1851 when Ceilan was two years old.  Our 1891 Polk's Toledo City Directory listed Ceilan M. Spitzer's residence as Boston as did the 1896 directory.  He kept a suite in Toledo's Boody House Hotel.  Mr. Spitzer built his lavish Toledo home "Innisfail" around 1899 to 1901.  Located at 1910 Collingwood, it was a palatial home filled with wonderful art and home furnishings.  When Mr. Spitzer retired in 1913, the Spitzers built a mansion in California keeping a suite in Toledo's Secor Hotel . The Toledo mansion was then sold.  Innisfail was demolished in 1955 and replaced by a high-rise apartment building.

Congratulations on your new endeavor.  We wish you the best of luck.

Your History Detective

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Dear House Detective,

I'm sending along a photo of my grandparents' home at 2240 Maplewood Ave. Their names were Thomas Joseph and Mary Agnes Cusic. I think they moved there in the early 1920's. My grandpa was a printer for the News Bee and then The Toledo Blade. They had 4 daughters, the youngest being my mom, Rosetta, who was born in 1913. She said she had been born at home but it was before they moved to Maplewood. Maybe it was Huron St? Wonder if you could help with additional information.

Also I'm sending a photo of my childhood home, 45 Proctor Place, where my sister Kitty and I were raised. My parents, James Joseph and Rosetta Cusic O'Connell bought the house in 1947, I think.

Thanks for any further facts you can unearth regarding these two properties.

Sincerely,

Mary Helen O'Connell Laney

 

Dear Mary Helen,

Thank you so much for the two photographs that you emailed us.  What great additions to our archives!

2240 Maplewood was home to your grandparents Thomas and Mary Agnes Cusic by the time the 1924 Polk City Directory was published.  In 1921 they had lived at 2112 Warren Street in one side of a double-house.  523 Elm Street had been their home in 1918.  The 1911 directory had no listing for a Thomas Cusic.  2240 Maplewood had been constructed by 1896 and was demolished about 1970 for the construction of the I-75 expressway.

Your home at #45 Proctor Place was constructed in 1911 according to the Lucas County Audior's records.  Proctor Place was a replat of Parkwood Court. The 1911 city directory listed Parkwood Court as "from 2852 Collingwood east.  Paved with asphalt block", but had no addresses listed.  We believe that J. Proctor Coates, a real estate developer, who lived at #17 Proctor Place, was responsible for its development.  John Heath, the manager of the Simmons Boot & Shoe Company, lived in #45 according to the listings in the 1918 and the 1921 city directories.  James and Rosetta O'Connell's purchase of this home was recorded in January of 1948 and remained in the family for the next 37 years.

Your History Detective

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Hello, my name is Lisa Bradley and I found your site while Googling the history of Toledo. I found it very informative, actually it's awesome to see how beautiful Toledo used to be...  I looked up my address- 5044 Secor Rd, which is a townhouse complex of 2 buildings- and interestingly enough, found one picture of a small ranch house. I was curious if you had any more information on what used to be on this property. Any information you could give me would be greatly appreciated, as I am also trying to find info on my childhood home, 1024 Wright Avenue. Thanks!!    Hi Lisa, The Lucas County Auditor's Office listed 5044 Secor Road as being constructed in 1967.  It has eleven units. As you already know, the library's "Images in Time" does show a ranch-style structure at the same address, suggesting an earlier residence.  We found a single family listed in the 1962 Polk's Toledo City Directory.  The residents of the previous house on this site were James and Sally Cady.  The 1964 directory listed 5044 Secor as "no return" and the 1966 directory had "under construction" for this address. Your childhood home at 1024 Wright Avenue is located on lot 77 and a portion of lot 76 of the Fairfield Addition according to the Lucas County Auditor's records.  We noted that "1022 Wright" appeared on the Auditor's record for 1024 also.  ( A great clue!) The title to this property was transferred to Glenn Blankenbeckler who gave an address of 1030 Wright (house next door) on March 3, 1947.  He did not live there though.  The 1951 Polk's Toledo City Directory listed a house as under construction at 1022 Wright Avenue, but no listing for 1024.   In subsequent directories there were no listings for 1022,  but ones for 1024.  Dwight and Helen Jones became owners of record for 1024 Wright (formerly 1022) on August 6, 1952.  Mr. Jones' occupation was a repairman working at the Woodville Auto Repair.  The house was sold in 1977 to Raymond Bradley.  Thanks for writing.  Your History Detective

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Do you have a photo of 3387 Collingwood Blvd.. one taken of the apartment building constructed after the photo and time frame you have on your website.  I'm interested in the Burdella Apts which sat at the corners of Winfield..Collingwood and Cherry Strs.  Those apts have been torn down in the last 20-30 yrs.

Thank You,

Sincerely,

A. L. Holt

 

Dear Ms. Holt,

7-21-11  Good news!  We think we found your childhood home on the front cover of  the October 29, 1949 publication of The Toledo City Journal.  We have emailed you a copy of the image to identify. 

Your History Detective

 

Yes!! That is definitely the Burdella Apts...what memories it brings back..........I wanted to thank you for the surprise phone call to me today! It's always a pleasure speaking with you, as your work and efforts are sure appreciated by me. You're very down to earth and so easy to talk with someone like you..your enthusiasm sure shines :) I sure didn't know if any photo existed of the Burdella Apts, but your time and effort gleamed positive results.  A special thank you to your friend David as well.

If there is anything I can ever do to return a favor, please let me know. It's nice to have a big smile here.

Thank you so much.

Sincerely, 

Anita L. Holt

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Do you have any information about 2317 Scottwood???

Wayne North DVM

 

Lots 26, 27, 28, a 30 foot part of lot 29 and half a vacant alley comprise the land on which 2317 Scottwood was erected.  This mansion was built in 1897 according to the Lucas County Auditor's Office.  The 1900 Polk City Directory listed lawyer James Hamilton of Hamilton & Kirby as the resident.  His extensive and most interesting biography and his photograph appeared in both Toledo & Lucas County, Vol. 2 on page 268 and the Toledo and Lucas County Supplement on page 241.   His second wife was Ethel (Allen) Hamilton.

Your History Detective

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My questions:

There were some girls who went to Glenwood school with us who lived on Glenwood. There were several of them living in like a foster home because they all had different last names and stated they were foster sisters. Do you know which house they lived in on Glenwood? Was there a foster home on Glenwood in the mid to late 60's?

Also, on Parkwood there was a nice sized home which had a large court (almost like a tennis court)  inside a gated yard really close to the front or side probably right there at Virginia and Parkwood before crossing the street to head toward the Art Museum. Once some girls invited us inside the gate to play tether ball with them. Do you know anything about the family who lived in this home with the court in the 70's?

Thank you so much! This is a great service that you are providing.

Sandra Alexander 

Dear Sandra,

We'll be glad to see if we can find the answers to your two questions.  Perhaps our guests can help Sandra identify the foster home on Glenwood during the 60s.

We wonder if the Tiedtke house on Parkwood closer to Delaware would have been the location of the court where you played tether ball.  This mansion is part of the former Mary Manse College and St. Ursula's Academy, and even today has a fenced-in court on one side.

Your HIstory Detective

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We would like to check, one more time, for old photographs of 2238 Scottwood before it was  modernized" about 1920 for Elmer and Edith Miller. As you doubtless know, the 1930s photographs of this east side of the 2200 block of Scottwood seem to be missing from the library archives.  And the Main Library's David Stine archive does not include drawings for this house.

Sincerely yours, Sandra Knudsen

Can our website viewers help Sandra and her husband find a vintage photo of their Scottwood Avenue home?  Please email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have an early view of this home designed by local architect David Stine and built in 1892 for the sum of $4,500.

Maybe a descendant of an earlier owner or domestic who worked for the past owners will have a photograph.  If you know someone with the following surnames who once lived at 2238 Scottwood, please check to see if they have a photograph of this house:  owners George Allen, Robert Brinkerhoff, John Ormond, Elmer Miller; domestics Freeda Rathsack (1896), Nellie Manion (1900), Clara Albach (1921); students George Billmeier (1900), John and Harry Leland (1910).

Your History Detective

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We had a nice conversation with Victoria Colbert the other day on the phone.  Her parents live in a historic home at 118 Prescott.  We promised her that we would find out more about her parents' home.

Dear Victoria,

The 1891 Polk City Directory listed Jerome L. Stratton as the resident at 118 Prescott.  His occupation was a civil engineer working from 426 Adams Street.  He had a boarder who lived in his home.  Edward F. Austin was a clerk with the post office.

John A. and Mary C. Felker were long-time owners.  I found John listed in the 1896 directory at 124 Prescott and his occupation was the manager of J. H. Kohne, a grocery store at 2002 Adams Street.  In 1900, the Felker family lived at 118 Prescott.  By 1918, John and his son Hebert owned that grocery store, now renamed J. A. Felker & Son.  By then, Herbert lived at 318 Kenilworth.  His sisters, Elsie and Ruth still lived in the family home at 118 Prescott.  Eventually the grocery store was removed to 2107 Ashland at Floyd.  A 1941 directory indicated the store had passed into the hands of son Herbert with sister Elsie as a bookkeeper for the store and Ruth still at home.  It would seem that John had retired to enjoy his life with Mary.  The Felker family continued to own this home until 1977.

Thanks for the call.

Your History Detective

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I grew up on 2844 Scottwood and my parents still live there. I was interested in reading about the home at 2836 on the historians page. Do you have any information about my childhood home?

Crystal Taylor

Dear Crystal,

Your family's home at 2844 Scottwood near Collins Street was built in 1923.  The home was erected on lot #4 of J. P. Coates' Parkwood Heights Addition. 

According to a 1924 Polk City Directory, the first residents of the home were Clarence M. Davis and his wife Bessie.  Mr. Davis was a salesman for the R. A. Bartley Company which was a wholesale grocery business and importer of Japan teas.

Interestingly, they become owners of record in 1938.  I'll need to research this more.  Bessie L. in turn becomes the owner of record in July 1950.  The house is then sold to Lawrence Clark in 1955.

Thanks for writing and I'll do more research on your family home.

Your History Detective

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I recently moved into this property (2333 Scottwood).  I know a little about it.  I believe it was built by David Stein as his primary residence.  Since it was built as a duplex I assume he lived in one unit and perhaps his mother lived in the other?  I would love to know which floor was his.  It seems to have had servants quarters on the third floor but no bathroom.  There is a toilet in the basement.  Perhaps servants did not stay overnight?

It is my understanding that Mr. Stein was an architect and designed many old west end homes as well as the courthouse downtown with the dome and Scott High School on Collingwood.

Someone told me he killed himself jumping off a building downtown later on after some business problems and others have said he died in the house.

I would like to find out as much as I can about the original owner and more importantly how the house was originally used and why it was built as a duplex.  What is the best source for this type of info?

Daniel P. Finkel

Hi Daniel,

David Leander Stine was Ohio-born in 1857 and passed away in 1941 at the age of 83.

He studied under the guidance of an architect in Chicago and later moved to Toledo.  Working for the firm of D.W. Gibbs & Co., David married Adelaide Gibbs, a daughter of Toledo architect and his boss D. W. Gibbs.  They lived at 501 Stickney Avenue.  David and Adelaide D. had only one son, Sidney who later studied architectural engineering at the University of Pennsylvania.  Together, they operated the firm David L. Stine & Son.

As the architect for the Toledo Board of Education in 1910 and 1911, David L. Stine designed both Jesup W. Scott and Morrison R. Waite high schools.  He also is known as the architect for the Ashland Baptist Church, the Lucas County Courthouse and the Lucas County Jail.  Additionally, the 1895 Edward Libbey House, 2008 Scottwood, and the 1905 Julius Lamson House, 2056 Scottwood, were two of his residential commissions.

2333 Scottwood (originally 2329-2331) appeared in Polk city directories after the mid-1920s. Built as a duplex, it was both his personal residence and a rental.  David Stine continued to live at this address until his death in 1941.  I would surmise that he lived in the first floor apartment due to his advanced age.  Son Sidney and his wife Irene also are listed as occupants at the time of David's death. Perhaps they took the second floor apartment to be able to look after his aging parents.  

The 1928 and 1929 city directories indicated that Linton H. Fallis and his wife Helen occupied one of the flats.  A biographical article and Mr. Linton's photo appear in the book Toledo and Lucas County, Ohio 1623-1923, Volume 3.

The August 4, 1941 edition of the Toledo Blade stated "David L. Stine, dean of Toledo architects, who died in the family home, 2333 Scottwood Avenue, yesterday, after a long illness....."

Your History Detective

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We've just moved into a spacious and wonderful apartment within the mansion at 2232 Parkwood Avenue in Toledo's Old West End.  I would like very much to learn more about this house's history, it's owners (original and subsequent) etc.  Though we are only renting a sizeable portion of the house, I, in particular, have fallen in love with the place and wish to know as much as I can about the old gal.

Warm Regards, Daniel Mosher

Dear Daniel,

Harold Sheldon Reynolds and wife Rachel Ketcham Reynolds lived in this grand home at 2232 Parkwood.  The Auditor's Office lists 1909 as the construction date but our information tells us that the house was built in 1911 and enlarged in 1920.  The architectural firm was Mills, Rhines, Bellman & Nordhoff.  The address was listed in a Polk city directory for the first time in 1911.  Mr. Reynolds was the vice-president of the First National Bank, 312-14 Summit,  according to the 1918 Polk City Directory.   A 1937 directory indicated that he was the vice-president of the Rossford Savings Bank.  The couple had a summer home named "Roaring Brook" in Harbor Springs, Michigan.  Mr. Reynolds passed away in the late 1930s but his widow continued to live in the house into the '40s.

The Reynolds had several children, Mary Virginia, Rachel Ketcham, Harold Sheldon Jr. and Rosalie.  Harold Jr. attended the Janes-Franklin School, while his sisters were pupils at the Smead School for Girls.

You may enjoy reading more about Mr. Reynolds in a biographical entry for his family in the book Story of the Maumee Valley Toledo and the Sandusky Region, Vol. IV , pg 623 published in 1929.

Thanks for writing.

Your History Detective

p.s.  I recently found the name of a domestic helper for this address in 1921.  Her name was Olga Koch. 

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We live at 2644 Glenwood. According to a little digging I have done, George Lathrop owned this property at one time, about 20 years before he started his construction firm.

I've always hoped to find out 1) if George had anything to do with designing the house and 2) who actually built the house. Judging from some of the odd floorplan quirks, I wouldn't be surprised if it was one of his first attempts.

 

Thanks,

Debbie Martin

Dear Debbie,

George W. Lathrop was born in 1866.  Relocating to Toledo, Mr. Lathrop was appointed to the job of postal clerk in 1888.  For the next decades, he worked up the ladder to more prominent postitions.  In 1920, President Woodrow Wilson named Lathrop as the Toledo Postmaster.  He remained in that postition until 1924, when he opened his contracting business as George W. Lathrop & Sons.   It was incorporated in 1928.  The company orignally built residential homes, but in the 1930s began large-scale projects including industrial, hospital and institutional buildings.   Mr. Lathrop died in 1936 and is buired in Woodlawn Cemetary.

According to the Lathrop Corporation archives at the Center for Archival Collections housed at Bowling Green State University, the company was founded in 1895.   Then we found this information in various Polk city directories.  2372 Lawrence was Lathrop's home in 1896, then newly built.  In 1901 Lathrop lived at 2374 Rosewood.  From 1902 until 1905 the family lived at 2426 Lawrence, 2405 Lawrence (built 1902) in 1906, and 2544 Scottwood (built 1906) in 1907-08.  In 1909 and 1910, he lived at 2627 Scottwood just newly constructed in 1909.  (Your home is dated 1910 in the Lucas County Auditor's records.)  In 1911 the Lathrops were at 2630 Robinwood (built 1911), in 1912 their residence was 2606 Scottwood (built 1912) and 2564 Robinwood (built 1912) from 1913 through 1916.  2560 Robinwood (built 1912) was their home in 1917, 1918 and 1919.  Then from 1920 until 1924 his family lived at 2316-18 Robinwood, a duplex newly-built in 1919, which wife Caroline sold in 1930.  By 1925, the Lathrops lived at 511 Nottingham Terrace.  2446 Pemberton in Old Orchard was their address in 1928 and it was built in 1927.

Mr. Lathrop's grandson, Walter (Bill) Lathrop recalls that his grandparents moved frequently, building homes on speculation and reselling them. 

 

 

Was Edwin Gee the architect for his own home at 2836 Scottwood built about 1915-1916? 

Sue Terrill

Dear Sue, 

The Auditor's Office lists Edwin M. Gee as the owner of 2836 Scottwood, Lot #2 of the J.P. Coates Parkwood Heights Addition, as of November 30, 1915.  Mr. Gee's 1916 application for membership in the American Institute of Architects discloses that he had practiced architecture for the last four years.  His membership was approved and Mr. Gee was a member from 1916 until 1941.

The 1918 Polk City Directory discloses that Edwin M. Gee was the Director of Schools with an office in the Board of Education Building located on the corner of Southard and Linwood avenues.  Mr. Gee and his wife Louella G. lived at 2836 Scottwood.  Edwin M. Jr., Helen G. and Rueben are their children. 

By the 20s and into the late 30s, Mr. Gee's job position is referred to as either a supervising architect or architect supervisor for the Toledo Board of Education.  During this time he was involved in the planning of Libbey, Gunkel, Beverly, McKinley, Lincoln, Fielbach, and Burroughs schools among others.

Louella and others sold their family home in July of 1950. 

Based on our research, you have good reason to believe that Mr. Gee designed his own home on Scottwood.  So far, we have no direct proof.

Thanks for writing.  We'll keep looking for the answer to your question.

Your History Detective

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Anyone have any information about the Mansion on the corner of Cherry and Condley? It is a 6 bedroom house that used to be a funeral home, I believe. The address is 3322 Cherry street and is a transitional housing facility for women. Any information would be appreciated.

Allie

Dear Allie,

The Lucas County Auditor lists the house at 3322 Cherry as being built in 1887.  The house standing there today is definitely not of that age.  John Swigart, an optician, was the resident at that address in 1900.  He is listed in the 1910 Polk City Directory as the president of the Swigart Watch and Optical Company.

By 1913, the house standing at 3322 Cherry today was owned by Thomas Condley.  He and his son Frank, also of that address, were real estate developers doing business as Thomas T. Condley & Son.  Della, a public school teacher, and Florence, another daughter, also lived there.  By 1918, Condley Drive appears in the city directory but has no listings.  Condley Apartments (Lot #1), 3328 Cherry, was erected in 1926.  Thomas and Franks' subdivision, Condley's Subdivision, had a least 19 lots for development including 3322 Cherry (Lot #19).  It's possible that the Condleys demolished the original 1887 structure that John Swigart lived in to develop the site more intensely and added Condley Drive.  By the early 1940s, Della Condley and Leo Fagan along with his wife Florence Condley Fagan lived in the house.

By 1971, the home became institutional in use, first as a mental health counseling center and later as a drug and alcohol rehabilitation home.  Today, it is owned by 300 Beds, Inc.  By the way, I never found it listed as a funeral home.  Maybe someone else has other information to the contrary.

Your History Detective

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My parents recently moved and I’ve been going through some of the boxes in storage.  Some are my grandmother’s.  I have a picture of The Citizens Ice Company with two workers and a family (one woman and three children) taking their ice home.  My father said that there was a Citizens Ice Company in Toledo.  He wasn’t sure where it was located.  Do you have any information on this company?

Thank you.

Karen Taylor

Dear Karen,

Thanks for writing us.  The Citizens Ice and Cold Storage Company was incorporated in 1906 by a group of successful Toledo businessmen.  It was located at 25 South Erie near downtown.   In the winter ice blocks were cut from Wamplers Lake in Michigan, hauled to Toledo, and stored in sawdust for later use.  Early refrigerators were stocked with smaller blocks of ice delivered to the customer's door first by horse wagons and later, trucks.

According to the 1910 Polk City Directory, Jay Secor was the president and lived at 2035 Collingwood Avenue (now-Boulevard). His home, today known as Mansion View, is a well-known bed-and-breakfast and conference center (see links tab).  George Sawkins, vp, was a well-known grocer serving the growing west-end district of Toledo and Joseph Murphy, secretary, was a meat retailer along with William Finch doing business as Murphy & Finch.  Related by marriage, Mr. Sawkins and Mr. Murphy operated storefronts at 2151 and 2153 Ashland avenues at Bancroft.  Mr. Sawkins lived at 2352 Fulton and the Murphy family lived at 614 Virginia.  The treasurer was Isaac Knisely of 2133 Park Place off Ashland.

Mr. Murphy is still remembered for his song "We're Strong for Toledo" which his own Ice House Quartet made popular. 

Thanks for sharing your photograph with all of us history buffs.

Your History Detective

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