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Do you have a Toledo history question? Are you researching your Old West End home? Email our history detective at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . We can help!

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Hello!  I was absolutely thrilled to find your site!  I grew up on Jermain Drive, 1802.  I am very curious about the history of the street and that area.  How did the streets get their names?

JB

Hi JB,

Jermain Drive as well as Jermain Park honor the memory of one of Toledo's most influential citizens, life-long bachelor Sylvanus P. Jermain who was known as the "Father of Toledo Golf."  It was his vision to open a 9-hole course at Ottawa Park, the first public course west of New York City, in 1899.  The adjacent White City Park was renamed Jermain Park in his honor.   Jermain died in 1935 at age 76.

We'll need to research the naming of the adjacent streets to Jermain Drive as time permits.

Thanks for writing.

Your History Detective

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I was having breakfast with several of my friends today and our conversation turned to Mancy’s Steak House.  I said the Steak House had a fire, in the area where they cured meat and no one agree with me.  I cannot remember the year of the fire. The other thing my friends also said they remember the Mancy relocated the original building to its current location on the property.  I don’t remember this relocation.  Is it possible to provide the History on the Mancy’s Steak House.
 
Thank You.
 
Robert Grandowicz
Robert,
 
Gus Mancy, the father of twin sons John and George, opened his Mancy's Ideal Restaurant & Olde Tyme Saloon in 1921 at 937 Phillips Avenue.  It soon became one of Toledo's most favored dinner spots.  Sadly, the day after the installation of a sprinkler system was begun to meet insurance requirements for higher coverage, a fire broke out in the kitchen of the popular establishment.  It was August 1973.  200 customers were enjoying their evening meals when a passing fire chief noticed smoke bellowing from the building.  The alarm was sounded and the customers along with 30 staff were evacuated.  Within the hour the fire had traveled through empty spaces between the original and false ceilings spreading its total destruction.  80 firefighters fought the blaze which sent billowing smoke throughout the West Toledo neighborhood.  Thousands of onlookers packed the area to watch as residents on adjacent Martha avenue drenched their homes with water from hoses to stop the flying embers from kindling new fires.
 
Although then-Mayor Kessler invited the Mancys to rebuild their restaurant downtown, the owners decided to start over at the same location.  Their decision has proved to be the right one as Mancy's enjoys the same popularity today as it had since 1921.
 
Your History Detective
 

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As a child I was told a story of a murder or attack happening in the Toledo area. It happened at the old house on the hill on Alexis road, where now an assisted living apartment was built. This area may be considered Sylvania Ohio, the story was told to me back in the 1980s. Two woman lived on the hill , they were attacked by someone, one woman died, the other crawled injured down the hill to get help. I believe this really happened because others remember the story.  It happened before phones and cars were had by everyone. 

Please help.

Brian

 

Hi Brian,
 
What an odd coincidence!   We were just reading the Sullivan murder story from Easter 1900 at this link when your email arrived.  Actually, creepy may be a better word.  
 
The spinsters who recently came into some money through a real estate transaction were brutally attacked and left for dead in their Alexis Road home in Trilby, Ohio.  One survived and years later identified the individual who savagely beat  them.  Horse thieves Al and Ben Wade were later electrocuted for the robbery and murder of Miss Sullivan.  A Ben Landris was sentenced to the pen for his role.
 
 
Your HIstory Detective

 

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I just finished reading your information about the Gross Photo Supply Company.
My father, Evans Dunn, was Vice President of Sales. In 1980 we moved to Texas with the company. Which is probably why there was a listing in 1979 and none by 1983.


My question is this. I knew the company as Gross Manufacturing, and my father's office was at the plant, somewhere in downtown Toledo. I was 11 when we moved.  Where was the location? I am returning to Toledo, and have not been there for over 30 years. I would at least like to drive by the area.
Thank you for any help you can provide.


Steve Dunn
Tucson, Az.

 

Welcome Home, Steve.

The 1979 Polk's Toledo directory listed Gross Manufacturing Inc. as being located at 152 Hamilton Street in the near downtown.  The building although "remuddled" remains standing.

 

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You have any pictures of Otto's store on Secor just short of the MI line ?

James Chinni

 

Bernie and Maejel outside Otto'sOtto's Variety Store was located at 6008 Secor Road.  Bernie and Maejel Otto operated the store which advertised that it sold "Everything from soup to nuts."  Later, Bernie turned the operations over to his son Lloyd and wife Judith. 

Otto's began around 1940 when Bernie flooded some of his property on Secor Road to allow for an ice skating rink.  He charged children $.10 each to skate while his wife sold hot chocolate and candy in a shack adjacent the ice.  

This photo appeared in a local newspaper in an article recalling the history of Trilby, Ohio before its annexation to Toledo on January 25, 1965

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 2617-19 Robinwood

I am living in 2617 Robinwood and was curious about the history of my home.  Was it originally designed to be a 1 family house?  Or built as a duplex?  Any hints as to where I could find an original floor plan or any other interesting info?
 
Thanks,
 Ashley
 
 
Ashley,
 
Yes, 2617-19 Robinwood was always a duplex and has a "twin" in the neighborhood located at 2141-43 Robinwood.  It was constructed around 1925 with Moe and Florence Isenberg living at 2617 while widow Mary Nearing lived in 2619.
 
Finding the original blueprints would be doubtful unless the previous owners passed them down to the current owners.
 

 

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Was wondering if you had any history on the Erie Cigar Store.  My father passed away in the store on November 27th in 1971 when I was ten, but I don't have any information on who owned it etc.   I did do a search on google and looked at your site as well.   Any help you can give would be great. 
 
Nancy O'Henry

 

 

Thanks for writing us, Nancy,
 
Meyer Greenberg (Myer Greenburg) owned the Erie Cigar Store.  In 1951, it was at 318 Erie and then relocated to 117 Erie Street.  We found a newspaper article that he was 44 years old in 1956. 
 
Sports betting seemed to be a regular activity at this cigar store.  Articles from the late 1950s to the '70s relate the never-ending cat-and-mouse activities between the gaming interests and the feds.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Hello my moms grandparents owned the home at 2129 Madison Avenue during 40- 60s.  I know he had a business he ran called Smith Cabinetry  he fixed furniture the downstairs too a bar was in there too.  I was wondering if there are any more pics of the house inside or any old ads?  I think we only have like 3 pics of the house and stationary that he had from the business I will have to look for them. 

Thank you
Michelle Pfoutz

 

Michelle, 

2129 MadisonThe mansion at 2129 Madison Avenue was the home of the Leander Burdick family as early as 1891.  Mr. Burdick was the cashier with the Union Savings Bank and his son Arthur was the assistant cashier according to the 1891 city directory.  Son Frank passed away in 1906 from injuries self-inflicted in a hunting accident at a brother's ranch in Wyoming.

We found a July 17, 1929 newspaper article which related the circumstances of a divorce suit by Jack Orwiler of 2129 Madison from his wife of three years Mrs. Zelma Orwiler.  He sought the divorce due to the fact that his wife refused to prepare his meals, did dishes only once every two days, but also kept a secret closet which she forbade his entry.  When he did make entry, he found five bushels of empty tin cans, shirts and a bathrobe mixed in with garbage.  Their marital home was located at 1971 1/2 Superior.   The Burdick mansion was owned by Mrs. Frances Maynes at the time Mr. Owiler resided there and filed for his divorce.

Ora Smith operated his antique and cabinet-making business in the former Leander Burdick mansion at 2129 Madison Avenue.  Mr. Smith passed away at age 72 in July 1965.   His wife Thecla survived him.

A newspaper advertisement for a pre-Christmas sale at his business was published on November 26, 1949.

Smith Period Furniture-1949 Advertisement

The Twenties night club operated their business in the home also.  Murray Miller was the host with John Mast, pianist; Marian Basel, vocalist; and Cliff Murphy, bass.  On April 26,1966 a $19,000 fire caused by faulty wiring in the women's lounge destroyed the roof of the mansion as well as extensively damaging the lounge and an upper office.  The Burdick mansion was subsequently demolished.

 

 

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This house (2611 Robinwood) was built in 1910 by the owner of a music business in Toledo.  I cannot remember his name.  I know he died, suddenly, on the day of his open house for this address.

Also, there was a photo of the house, with his car in the driveway, presumably in the Blade but I am unable to locate that photo.
 
Can you help me with this information.
 
Thank you,
Phillip
 
Hello Phillip,
 
2611 RobinwoodThe 1910 city directory discloses that the west side of the 2600 block of Robinwood was vacant.   2611 was constructed in 1910 for the sum of $15,000 with the garage costing an additional $750.  The first time anyone was listed as a resident of 2611 Robinwood was in the 1911 Toledo city directory.  His name was Fred R. Gibson.  The 1912 directory revealed that he had moved to Detroit.
 
Theodore F. McManus, the president of his own advertising group, was recorded as the occupant in 1912.  In 1925 the residents were cashier Lyle Hubbard and his wife Daisy.  Then in 1935 Richard D. Logan, an attorney, and his wife Florence (Durflinger) Logan lived here. 
 
We can find no proof that the original owner died suddenly nor can we find that elusive photo of the house with his car in the driveway.  We'll keep researching.

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Northwestern Lumber Company 1927What area of Toledo is Fitch Road considered to be - between Sylvania and Tremainsville? I have a photo of Northwestern Lumber Company with some of the workers. Hoping to find someone who can identify the workers.
 
Thank you,
Pat
 
Pat,
 
I did a quick search and found a newspaper article from February 1929 which contained a story of a young lady who worked for "Northwestern Lumber Company, Fitch Road, West Toledo."  Her name was Miss Helen Curley.
 
So the area in which Fitch Road sits is West Toledo (at least by 1929).
 
The Northwestern Lumber Company was incorporated in 1924 with their main office at 537-38 Ohio Building in downtown Toledo and the mill and lumber yard located at 4021-33 Fitch Road.  J.J. Bale of Lakeview, Michigan was the president, E. S. Snyder being the vice-president with Ernest Synder holding the postions of secretary and treasurer.
 
We have enlarged your photo on our front page in hopes that one of our website guests can help you identify the individuals.
 
Your HIstory Detective
 

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Dear HD,

I have always been interested in the history of homes and buildings in general.  My history question isn’t as old as the turn of the century but I didn’t know where to start to answer my questions about the home I now own. 

When looking at the transfer cards on the Lucas County Auditors Website, it shows that in October 1945 a Donald C Brondes Sr purchased my home at 5563 Vail Ave, Toledo, OH.  He owned it until January 1970 when he sold it to Herbert & Dolores Hoerig.

I always wondered if it was THE Don Brondes of our local, but nationally known Brondes Ford.  Was my home the childhood home of Don Brondes of Brondes Ford?

I remember the crazy TV commercials when I was a kid.  J  They always made me laugh. 

Thank You in advance, respectfully,

 Janni Juhasz

 

Hi Janni,

Donald Brondes Sr. is not THE Don Brondes of the Brondes Ford fame but his father who started the business as  a partner in the Tremainsville Motor Sales by 1937 and the founder of Brondes Garage, a car repair service, in 1939.  About 1944 Don Sr. purchased the 1928-built Trilby Log Cabin, 5729 Secor Road, for use as a garage for his business , remodeling it extensively.  Donald Sr. and his wife Helen moved to Florida in 1947, then on to Iowa where Don started an automobile dealership, and then back to Fort Lauderdale, Florida by 1956. 

Don passed away on June 18, 1972 of an apparent heart attack at age 66.  His obituary stated that he was formerly of the 3800 block of Manchester Drive (which is located in Ottawa Hills).  Mr. Brondes is buried in Florida.

Your home at 5563 Vail was a part of Washington Township which was annexed by Toledo in the mid-60s.  A 1966 city directory indicated that the Hoerig's were already residents of your home, most likely as renters.  They did purchase the home in January 1970.

Don's sons, Donald Jr. and Phil, took over their father's business selling used cars including Hudsons and Studebakers.  It became a Ford franchise in 1955.  The brothers were the well-known stars of the slapstick television commercials which you so fondly remember.  Donald Lea produced the Brondes Ford commercials for 35 years.  They caught our attention with smashed windshields, cars cut in half and Donald Jr. taking a pie in his face by his brother. 

Sadly, Don Jr. committed suicide in March 1993 passing away at age 66.  We know that he did not live in your home as a child as he would have been about 18 when his dad bought your house.  He would have been about 20 when his parents moved to Florida.  Did he live in your home as a young man?  We are not sure but will continue to research this.

Your History Detective

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I’m wondering if you might have seen any pictures that were taken in the back yard of the former International Institute (2040 Scottwood) or the multi-unit apartment (2048 Scottwood) that we own.  We are looking for pictures that may show the old iron fence that separated 2040 and 2048 Scottwood.  The fence was removed in the late 1990s by Linda Kaczmarek and relocated to another one of her properties.  If you can think of any pictures that might show this in the background (from an event at the Institute, etc.) or know of anyone we can contact that might have such pictures we would really appreciate it.

 

Thanks in advance for any assistance you can give!

 

Tammy S. Michalak

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There was a terrible accident in the early hours of Sunday, December 28, 1953, when a car containing five young people sped across the Cherry Street Bridge, crashed through the guardrail, and flew 60 feet into the icy Maumee River, drowning them all.
 
Do you a copy of the article that appeared in the Blade?
 
I went to Woodward High School with three of them.  I was born and raised in Toledo, attended Woodward, TU, etc., and now live in Los Angeles.
 
John Tait
 
John,
 
We don't have access to that Blade but we have provided a link about the accident that traumatized Toledo.
 
 
Our research shows us that the speed of the car was estimated between 60 and 70 mph when it plunged 40 feet into the Maumee.   
 
Killed were William West, 24 and owner of the car; Richard Sczepanski, 25; Karl Voettcher, a father of two: and a young couple Paul and Sue Laudick, married for just four months.  They were apparently coming from a bar in North Toledo where they had celebrated Mrs. Laudick's 21st birthday and Richard's army furlough due to his leg being in a cast.
 
Newspapers from Florida to Chicago carried the morbid story.
 
We can only imagine the heartache felt by their families and the extended Toledo community.
 
Your HIstory Detective

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Dear Old West End History Detective,

My question is about the Wheeler Opera House, at the corner of Monroe ad St Clair streets during late 1800s, which burnt down in a spectacular fire on St Patrick's day, 
March 17, 1893.  Do you know if any good photographs or paintings of the old Opera house are in existence?

W2015 Scottwood e believe that 2015 Scottwood Ave house was built during late 1800s by Robert Jeffrey Wheeler, the proprietor of the old Wheeler Opera House. The house located at that address today doesn't look like it's from the 1800s. Can you research the history of that address and let us know if there was a different house at the same address in the past?

John Medamana

 

John shared this link:
http://www.medamana.org/wheelerh/wheeleroperahouse.html

 Wheeler Opera House

 

Robert Jeffrey Wheeler opened his Wheeler Opera House in December of 1871. 

 Robert J. Wheeler Home at 2015 Scottwood

 

 Here is a view of the Robert J. Wheeler home at 2015 Scottwood before a fire in 1917 and its subsequent remodeling..

 

 

 

 

 

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I ran across the "Ask Our History Detective" site today while working on my family 's genealogy.

I have an old note pertaining to my father 's birth mother - her name was Lillian Bentley, and she was apparently listed "at school" in the 1918 Polk City Directory for Toledo.

We have presumed that she was at Lucas County Hospital. My dad was born at that hospital in 1918. I have been unable to extract any hospital birth records reflecting that, but an archivist at Bowling Green noted that it might have been kept off the official books if Lillian was indeed a student there.

I 'm not sure what records you have access to, but would appreciate any information you might be able to add.

My father was Frank Joseph Herbert (adopted name) born 2/7/1918. He was adopted in Toledo within days after his birth by Frank J. and Tillie Elizabeth (Slomczewski) Herbert of Point Place.

Birth mother was Lillian Bentley of Monroe County, MI.

Birth father listed as A.C. Hitchcock of Azalia, MI, a railroad telegrapher.

I have found a great deal of information on the birth parents, but the actual details of my dad 's birth in Toledo and his adoption there have continued to elude me.

Thanks for your help


Randy G. Herbert
Baltimore, MD

 

Hi Randy,

We found an article in the Ann Arbor Argus-Democrat dated October 2, 1903 where an "Arlie Hitchcock of Azalia, called on his cousin, Sayre Reeves, this afternoon."

Arlie C. Hitchcock (1889-1971) was an agent for the Ann Arbor Railroad.  He first married Faith Derry in 1919 and then married Hazel Mann in 1922. 

 

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I recently found your page and was really amazed with all the research you guys are able to find on these homes.  I own the property at 20 Bronson Pl in Toledo and was always curious about the history on this home but was never very lucky in finding much.  It seems to have had a lot of history with it because in the attic I found an old door with a sign that said "doctor" on it which looked like an old entry door.  Also, it has 3 floors and a full basement.  The attic had a full bathroom in it (I bought this off foreclosure and many items were missing) but was missing the old claw foot tub and toilet.  What is weird is even though it had a bathroom, only one room was finished.  You had to walk through the unfinished area to get to the bathroom.  The basement was unfinished but it had some drains in one room that are in the cement floor which also was strange and the room had nice doors made for it.   It has walls that are brick (the same as the foundation) so the room was made there on purpose and measures aprox. 16 x 10.  It was not a bathroom, it had a half bath off the utility room already.  I am a licensed remodeler in Toledo so typically I can figure this stuff out.  I found quite a few other things that did not make sense like it is listed as a three unit but I do not know how that is possible.  Unless someone rented the one room in the attic.  It did however have 3 separate hookups for gas meters in the basement.  One hook up did not have a meter when I bought it.  In any event, I can go on for a long time about this but I do no want to make this email any longer.  Any information you can find would be great!!

 

Thanks,

Nick Carpenter

 

Nick,

The Lucas County Audtor's office records the construction of your home at #20 Bronson Place as 1902.

We found an advertisement in a local newspaper from August 17, 1905 for an "experienced girl for housework.  Must be a good cook.  No washing or ironing."  Inquiry was to be made at 20 Bronson Place.

 Early residents of 20 Bronson Place included the Edward Wean family as early as 1907.  Mr. Wean owned a lumber company.  In 1912, the Frank Harrrison family were the occupants.  The home was duplexed in the early 20s with W. Hoy Swetland and his wife Harriet in one unit and LeRoy and Myrtle Geller being residents of the other.

Dr. Leo P. Dolan and his Irish family lived in your residence in later years, circa 1929-1931.  Dr. Dolan was the director of Urology at St. Vincent's.  Perhaps the sign on the door once belonged to him.  He and his wife had four children; Mary Patricia, Kathleen, Patrick Joseph and Leo Jr.  A photo of Dr. Dolan appeared in the local newspaper at the time of his death in June of 1952.

A real estate sale notice from 1983 referred to 20 Bronson Place as a duplex with "possible loft in 3rd. floor".  We can find no indication that it was ever used as a three-family apartment house.

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I find history intriguing. I always have. I was not born in the Toledo area, so I know nothing of its true history.  I recently was reading the role call for fallen officers of Toledo Police. Officer Obriest, in 1931, died in an altercation near the intersections of Illinois & Division.  I am having trouble finding info on past maps of Toledo because today there is no Illinois in Toledo.  I assume it would be street renamed in the area...because I see there are Indiana and Michigan, so I am assuming a street in between was renamed at some point.  Do you know which one this was?

 
Barry Williams
 
 
Hello,
 
This street just gets NO respect!!!    It appears that Illinois had two later name changes that we could find. 
 
The 1931 city directory revealed that Illinois ran "from junction of Washington and Michigan west to Division."  Illinois became John R by the time the 1934 directory was published.  We compared street addresses and home owners' names to confirm this.  We found an obituary in which the deceased was once a resident of Illinois Street, now known as Moorish Avenue.  Both the 1962 and 1964 directories refer to John R in one area of the book and then Moorish in another.  Very confusing!  Again, we compared street addresses and home owners' names to confirm another name change for this short street. 
 
A Toledo Blade article in 1972 mentioned that John R street was renamed Moorish Avenue in 1954.  The story speculated that the street name John R honored the first mayor of Detroit, John R. Williams.
 
Patrolman Edward O'briestEdward O'briest was a 27 years-old unmarried patrolman conducting undercover work when he was shot and killed on May 19, 1931.  Illinois street, once home to the old Toledo University before its move to Bancroft Street, had become an area known as a red-light district, a location for prostitution and other crimes.  No suspect in his killing was ever identified.  So today the location of this altercation that cost Officer Obriest his life was near the intersection of Moorish and Division which still remains but nearly lost to the freeway construction of the '60s. 
 
Thanks for writing.
 
Your HIstory Detective
 
 

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Hello HD! 

Browning Building at Monroe & CollingwoodMy Great Grand Mother lived at the southeast corner of Collingwood and Monroe in the 50's.  It had a steepled roof and under it was a restuarant bar.  I believe it was called the Brass Rail.

Would you happen to be able to get ahold of a photo of that building and maybe the QP that was across the street too?

I used to sit at her window and look at it and all the commotion and traffic going by.  I would be so grateful.

Thank you!
Therese

Kewpee's Hi Therese,

We love your story.  We're happy to help bring back those wonderful memories.

Your History Detective

 

 

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Hello History Detective,

We 've recently discovered that one of the close relatives in our past history (most likely turn of the century) possibly owned a General Store located at 266 Harris Road in Toledo.  Do you happen to have any information on this location or its owner (Cumiskey)?
 
Much appreciate any assistance you can offer.
 
Thank you.
Madeline

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Hello!

I had no idea where to begin with this question. I concluded you may be a good start.  Having grown up in Oct. 15, 1966 Jaycee AdToledo during the cutting-edge 1960's, the McDonald's on Cherry and Central was a big attraction.

I have memories, on more than one occasion, of my parents showing me a full page advertisement in the Toledo Blade with several thumbnail photos of "celebrities" appearing in the Toledo area at local McDonald's restaurants. Below the thumbnail was the location, date and time the
person would be appearing.


I was given my choice of one person I'd like to go and see. We made an event of the night and got to eat out at my favorite resturant!

Obviously this was done to bring business to certain local McDonald's using the celebrity name as a drawing card.

I learned very quickly these were not the actual celebs, but store employees dressed in costume as the celebrities. Most of the characters you could visit were masked super heroes or famous characters that wore make-up. (clowns, etc.)

Anyone else recall this campaign by local McDonalds? Was this to promote a specific event? It would be interesting to see an advertisement for the events!

My best guess would be this was between 1966-1969.



Thank you for helping confirm that my memories are correct!

Callie Smith

 

Callie,

The first McDonalds hamburger shop was opened in San Bernadino, California in 1945 by brothers Dick and Mac McDonald.  It wasn't until 1955 that Ray Kroc began the franchising of McDonalds in Chicago.   Chicagoans Burt Rose and Jerry Isan opened the first Toledo McDonalds unit on Laskey Road in 1958.  A spokesman for McDonalds stated "We do not allow any jukeboxes and do not have any car hops".

The local McDonalds celebrated the company's 10th anniversary on October 18, 1966 with an array of Toledo "personalities" appearing at each of the seven McDonalds drive-in restaurants.  Members of the Jaycees and the womens group, the Jay-C-Ettes began their sale of 25,000 tickets good at any local McDonalds for 55 cents each.  One ticket entitled the bearer to a double hamburg, French fries and a coke. The proceeds raised by the two groups dedicated to children went to defray the cost of a swimming pool at Camp Courage, the Lucas County camp for retarded children.  The ladies even sold a childrens' book "Let's Eat Out" for 50 cents of which 30 cents went for the pool.

By the way, Miss Ann was the celebrity who apeared at 3158 Cherry near Central.  Miss Ann was the star of WTOL-TV's popular children's show "Romper Room".

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Do you know what happened to all the plans Hohly drew up for  buildings?  I own a building at Detroit and Airport and found 2 rotting blueprints that have their names on them.  I would like to get more.

Mark

 

Mark,
 
Although we do not off-hand know what happened to Hohly's blueprints, we too would be interested in finding out. 
 
By the way, can you relay to us if any addresses, owners' names, etc can be found on the blueprints?
 
We do have some information on architect Hohly including his photo under our "Research Central" tab; then "OWE Architects". 

 

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I am looking for an old shop in Toledo that was called Jewel Photography Shop. My parent's had their wedding photos done there 50+ years ago. There was supposedly an oil painting of my mother done by the photographer at that time. I was wondering who to contact to see if the painting still exists so we can purchase it. My parents are Gene Jeffries and Naomi (Lenz) Jeffries. They were married June 3, 1961. 
 
Thank you in advance.
 
Lauretta Jeffries


Jewel and Ruth Green operated Jewel Photographic at 424 Detorit Avenue in 1961.  They lived at the rear of the property. 

Unfortunately, after 1961, the shop disappeared from the Toledo city directories with no personal listings for either Jewel or wife Ruth.   The 424 address was listed as "vacant" in numerous directories after 1961.
 
We're sorry that the trail ends there as to what we are able to do.

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I bumped into your site while doing some research on my extended family. Thanks so much for putting all of this information together. I ’ve been to Toledo 3 or 4 times in the past 20 years (funerals) and it ’s really nice to get some history/how it was in the better days. My Father, Grand Father and Great Grand Father lived in Toledo from the late 1800 ’s thru the late 1950 ’s …..I ’ve been researching our family tree and trying to find information on their daily lives.
 
I realize you focus on the West End area however I would greatly appreciate any help you can give me with the area my family is from (sounds like it ’s the lower end of town).
 
My family lived in homes at 1707 Superior and 1229 Summit- I think this area was leveled when the Detroit Toledo Expressway was put in. Both of the homes were moved down the street- I ’m looking for some way to figure out where they are now …if possible. Based on some old diaries and letters- I believe that 1707 Superior was moved to Suder Ave, 1229 Summit was moved down Summit towards Buckeye St. In addition, I know one of my great grandparents lived at 1629 Summit (I believe this suffered the same fate when the expressway arrived)
 
My Dad attended Cathedral Latin and my Grand Parents were married in St. Francis De Sales Church and my Great Grandfather worked as a glass blower at Libbey Owens. I ’m digging up lots of history and looking for anything I can find.
 
I ’d love to find the homes if they still exist or …find pictures of them before the move. I know it ’s a long shot yet I thought it was worth asking.
 
I greatly appreciate any help or guidance you can give.
 
Best regards,
 
Mike Jacoby (Jacoby, Cummings, Joyent and Kennedy Families from Toledo area)
 
 
 
Mike,
 
We are always glad to help.
 
The 1891 Toledo directory listed a John M. Jacoby who lived at 33 Summit where he ran a restaurant. The 1896 directory listed Mr. Jacoby as the proprietor of the Jacoby House, 31 Summit with his residence at 1629 Summit. We verified that the Jacoby House was listed under the heading "Hotels" in that directory. By 1907, Theresa Jacoby was listed as the widow of John M. and lived at the 1629 Summit address. Also, in 1907, David A. Joyent, a glassworker, was the resident of 1707 Superior and Mary J. Joyent, a clerk with the county recorder, boarded there.
 
The Jacoby House passed into the hands of John C. Jacoby according to the 1912 directory. He lived at the hotel. Also listed in 1912 was John M. Jacoby, a clerk with the Toledo Savings Bank & Trust, who boarded at 1629 Summit along with fellow boarder George C. Jacoby, a foreman with Foyer Brothers & Co., a manufacturer of go-carts. Theresa Jacoby continued to live at 1629. David Joyent remained an occupant of 1707 Superior while stenographer Fern A. Joyent and seamstress Helen M. Joyent were listed as boarders.
 
 
242 Plymouth in 1930sBy 1918 George C. Jacoby appears to have rented on the East Side at 242 Plymouth, a circa-1916 bungalow which remains standing in 2013. George is a clerk with the Firestone Tire and Rubber Co. which was located at that time at 1101-03 Madison. That building still stands. Widow Theresa resides at 1629 Summit with roomer Angeline Jacoby also listed.
 
We read with interest your mention of two of these homes being moved to vacate land for the soon-to-be-built Toledo Expressway (I-280). A newspaper article from 1951 indicated that approximately one-half of the two-hundred homes affected in the first phase were movable. Later that same year a story reported that 600 dwelling units were to be removed and of that, fifteen owners decided to move their own homes to empty lots nearby out of the work zone. All others were to be razed. The construction of piers for the new North End Bridge built to replace the Ash-Consaul Bridge started in December 1952. A plan to move additional houses presented by local realtors was approved. In June of 1953 the Realtors Rehabilitation Committee puchased twenty homes from the State to move to a parcel of 50 lots located at Manhattan and Suder. Toledo City Council approved the expenditure of $16,500 to provide a house-moving path to that location. The first house to be moved was 1770 Superior on August 4, 1953. Although many articles reported that the resistance to selling or moving their homes was minimal, we found articles that told a different story. A 1954 newspaper story reported that 400 refused to move. Stories of forced evictions such as Grace Mealer in 1954 can be found in newspaper archives. But the Expressway Age had arrived in Toledo and the new bridge across the Maumee opened in January 1957.
 
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My great great Grandfather George Washington Hart lived in Toledo from 1852 til the 1890 's. His son David Charles Hart built a house in Bronson Place in 1910. The Burgert family also lived in Toledo. I would love to know where the Hart 's lived before 1910. There was also a Burgert Boot and Shoe Factory there. Amanda Burgert was George Washington Hart 's wife. The Bronson Place house as of 1999 my mom said was owned by the daughter of the people it was sold to in the 1940's by David Charles Hart. Any information about the neighborhood or possible other houses would be appreciated.
 
Thanks
Rebecca Furtado
 
 
Hi Rebecca,
 
George Washington Hart lived at 2146 Collingwood in 1891 as did Clara Hart. Miss Kate Burgert was listed as a boarder in that home. Mr. Hart passed away at age 61 on July 21, 1895. In the late 20s his home at 2146 became the parish house for the Second Church of Christ, Scientist, newly erected at the corner of Collingwood at Bancroft.
 
 
6 Bronson PlaceAn 1896 directory listed D. Charles Hart as a resident of Fremont, Ohio. He was a part owner of a Toledo ice cream and confectionery shop, Hart & Noe, located at 304 Summit. By 1900 Charles Hart returned to Toledo and boarded at 2253 Franklin. He worked as a general agent for the Pennsylvania Mutual Life Insurance Company with his office at 310 The Gardner Building. By the time of the 1907 directory, he is living at 234 Floyd Street. No. 6 Bronson Place became his home by 1910. In 1952 the James E. Kirk Co. listed the home for sale describing it as a large 4-bedroom home on a 60 by 165 lot with a vestibule entrance, center hall and screened-in front porch.
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Hi Detectives!
 
I am curious about the house that used to stand on what I think is now museum property.
 
My father, Paul Klag, (now passed away) said that he lived in (rented a room most likely) the big, brown (?) house that was located by the museum. I remember seeing it in the 1970's when I took art lessons at the museum. In fact, that's why he mentioned it. If memory serves (and I don't know if it does!) I think it was dark brown or very dark red?had cupolas or steeple like designs with yellow (?) trim ~ I remember thinking it was a fascinating looking house.
 
I believe it was to the east of the original long parking lot ~ facing either grove place or oakwood...... It was pretty close to the museum too. I have looked for pictures or something about this house~ but it remains a mystery to me!! My father was born in 1919, and lived in many places in the old west end, but this one has me so curious. I know he would have lived there as a young man, and definitely before WWII.
 
I would love to know more about the house, its address, history, and a picture if it exists??? I would love to "see" it again.
 
Thank you for any information or clues you might have. I enjoy the website very much, and looked forward to hearing from you!!
 
Karlene Henderson
 
Karlene,
 
We think you may want to look at the old photos of Lincoln which ran behind the Toledo Museum of Art. Go to our links tab and find the Library's Images in Time. Click on that link and type in "Lincoln" where the search box is located. There are several pages of Lincoln Avenue homes.
 
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Calvin Bdg known as Summit and Cherry BuildingMy grandfather's obituary indicated that he was the proprietor of the Fisher Music Store (circa 1940), Summit and Cherry building. Do you have any more information on the business or any photos? My grandfather's name was Harry Fisher and he lived at 2217 Franklin Ave. We are starting a family tree on ancestory.com and any information you can provide would be very appreciated.
 
Thanks!
 
Mike Orr
 
 
 
2217 Franklin 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Your grandfather, Harry E. Fisher and grandmother, Josephine were living at 2217 Franklin at the time of his death in 1940 according to his obituary. The family had moved frequently throughout the years and the 1940 city directory had their address as 1014 Prospect. The 1941 directory had widow Josephine Fisher living at 1938-40 Franklin Apt. 5.
 
His obituary related that Harry was just recently the proprietor of the Fisher Music Store located in the Summit and Cherry Building. We found a Fischer Music Store located at 418 Superior, but no mention of Fisher Music Store. Various directories until his death revealed a variety of jobs from cigar seller, factory worker, jeweler and salesman.   We can only guess how the the economic depression of the 1930s affected their lives.
 
We will continue to research this for you.
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