Sandusky History

Christ Miller, Farrell Cheek Employee

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In the November, 1920 issue of the Farrell-Cheek News, a biographical sketch about Christ Miller stated that he was the oldest worker employed at the Farrell Cheek Foundry at that time, at the age of 76. His job was to fire the Core Ovens and keep them in “ship-shape” order. The article said that Christ showed so much pep and ambition, that he made some of the young men feel ashamed.

Christopher Miller was born in 1844 to Edward and Lida (Merm) Miller in Connecticut. During the Civil War, he enlisted in Company I of the Third U.S.C.T. Christ fought in battles at Morris Island and Honey Hill during the Civil War. On September 23, 1914, Christ Miller was admitted to the Ohio Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home in Erie County, Ohio. He died on January 14, 1932 at the Ohio Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home, and was buried at the veterans cemetery located at the Home, now known as the Ohio Veterans Home. According to the Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System, the name of Christopher Miller appears on Plaque A-9 of the African American Civil War Memorial.

East Side of Columbus Avenue in the Early Twentieth Century

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The picture above shows the east side of Columbus Avenue between Washington Row and Market Street in the first decade of the twentieth century. At the southeast corner of Columbus and Market is the Mayer Lebensburger Company, which sold men’s clothing and hats. The overcoat department was on the upper level of the store. John A. Giedeman’s shoe and boot store was next to Lebensburger's. Mr. Giedeman had a shoe store in Sandusky for several years, with a variety of locations and business partners. The bookseller S.T. Lemley took over the bookstore that was formerly owned by Mr. Huntington. S.T. Lemley sold books and stationery, and offered a picture framing service. According to the 1908 Sandusky City Directory, Amelia Homegardner and Helen Zimmerman sold art and needlework supplies at the A. Zimmerman & Company. S.D. Arvanite was a manufacturer and jobber of confectionery and ice cream in the building just north of the Kingsbury Block. Oliver Marble, architect, had his office in the upper level a storefront on Columbus Avenue, and so did two dentists, J.E. Herman and H.S. Rogers. In the Kingsbury Block, Doctors D.D. Smith and J.K. Douglass also had busy dental offices. The Kingsbury Block was located at the northeast corner of Columbus Avenue and Washington Row from 1894 until the early 1920s. We do not know positively what band is playing in the parade down Columbus Avenue. At the time this photograph was taken, the streetcar was a popular mode of transportation, but area residents still used the horse and buggy as well.

Visit the Sandusky Library Archives Research Center to view this and several thousand more vintage photographs of Sandusky and Erie County.

Group of Youngsters in Front of the Citizens Banking Company

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The Citizens Banking Company opened its new headquarters in the Feick Building on East Market Street in downtown Sandusky in 1924. A group of boys is standing in front of the Citizens Bank. All the children are holding up an unidentified promotional paper. One young man is wearing a Boy Scout uniform. Note the vintage cars parked in front. Several bicycles are on the sidewalk as well. A large burglar alarm can be seen directly under the name of the bank. And if you look closely, you can see someone in an upstairs window. Today the Feick Building is still home to several Sandusky businesses and offices.

Sandusky Bay Bridge Snowbound in 1936

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An Associated Press article which appeared on the front page of the January 24, 1936 issue of the Sandusky Register reported that Ohio had been hit with the most intense cold wave in half a century on January 23, 1936. Eighteen deaths related to the cold were caused by exposure, heart attacks, fire. An Ohio couple from Springfield died from carbon monoxide poisoning, as they attempted to keep warm with a gas stove that was improperly ventilated.

Snow drifts of 14 -15 feet closed the Sandusky Bay Bridge to all traffic. Here, several individuals are shoveling through the massive snow drifts:

A bulldozer is used to clear the snowbound bridge:

Ice fishing shanties can be seen in the distance in the image below:

Masquerade Party Given by the Knights of the Scissors

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On January 21, 1890, the second annual masquerade party given by the Knights of the Scissors was held at Fisher’s Hall. Music was provided by the Great Western Orchestra. Admission was fifty cents for men and twenty five cents for ladies.

Dances included waltzes, polkas, the schottische, and many more. An article in the January 22, 1890 issue of the Sandusky Register reported that two hundred people were at the party, with about half of the guests in masquerade. To date we do not know if the Knights of the Scissors were a labor group, perhaps made up of tailors, or if the group was an informal club.

Mary J. Zipfel Grummel MacLeod

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Mary Josephine Zipfel is pictured above in a wintry scene (created by the photographer). The photograph was taken at the C.W. Platt studio in Sandusky when Mary J. Zipfel was in her early teens. Mary J. Zipfel was the daughter of Constantine and Mary (Daniel) Zipfel. Mary’s father was the owner of a well known Sandusky meat market. In the picture below, Mary J. Zipfel is wearing her bridesmaid’s dress for the wedding of her brother Charles to Anna Wagner.

According to marriage records at Erie County Probate Court, on April 24, 1889, Mary J. Zipfel married Philip Grummel, Jr. in Erie County, Ohio. Sadly, the couples’ little girl, Edna Grummel, died when she was only five months old, on June 1, 1890. Mary and baby Edna were photographed at the C.W. Platt studio shortly before Edna passed away.

Mary and Philip Grummel, Jr. became the parents of a baby boy in 1892. Mary’s husband Philip died on February 4, 1900. Later Mary Zipfel Grummel married Archibald MacLeod. Mary also survived her second husband, as Mr. MacLeod passed away in 1932. Mary J. Grummel MacLeod lived to be 91 years of age. She died in a nursing home in Clyde, Ohio, and she was buried next to Archibald MacLeod at Sandusky’s Oakland Cemetery. Mary’s life as a young woman is well documented at the Sandusky Library Archives Research Center thanks to the generosity of family members who donated several photographs that originally belonged to the Zipfel family. If you have vintage photographs of former residents or buildings from Sandusky or Erie County, consider donating them to the Sandusky Library Archives Research Center so that future generations may enjoy them.

Ulrich Zuercher, the Truants’ Nemesis, but Friend to All

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Ulrich Zuercher was born in Switzerland in 1849, and he settled in Sandusky in June 1871. In February of 1890, Ulrich Zuercher was appointed the truant officer of Sandusky City Schools, a position he held for 33 years. Mr. Zuercher never used an automobile in his duties, and he estimated that he walked over 50,000 miles during his years as truant officer. Zuercher served as the truant officer under sixteen different school boards. His beginning salary was $40.00 a month. In an article in the August 25, 1923 issue of the Sandusky Register, Mr. Zuercher recalled calling on the home of a student named Johnny. Johnny’s parents were not fond of the compulsory education law in Ohio, and they thought it was just fine for Johnny to skip school. Johnny’s mother came after Ulrich Zuercher with a club, while Johnny’s father came after him with a hammer. Mr. Zuercher made a speedy departure. After visiting the family again, accompanied by a law enforcement official, Johnny’s parents saw to it that their son attended school regularly. Though Mr. Zuercher had to often admonish children in his line of duty, he also became well liked by Sandusky’s students. Mr. Zuercher would visit classrooms and tell stories that “evoked the mirth of children of all ages.”

Due to poor health, Ulrich Zuercher retired from his job as truant officer on September 1, 1923. The first Christmas after Mr. Zuercher retired, he was inundated with cards and letters from Sandusky school pupils wishing him well. On January 15, 1925, Ulrich Zuercher died following a lingering illness Hundreds of Sandusky residents paid their respects to the veteran truant officer. Funeral services for Ulrich Zuercher were conducted by Rev. T.J.C. Stellhorn at Zion Lutheran Church. Rev. Stellhorn fondly told of incidents in Mr. Zuercher’s line of duty, which had caused him to be so beloved by the community. Pallbearers for Ulrich Zuercher were: Sandusky School Superintendent Frank J. Prout, Principal Karl Whinnery, and faculty members Carl Ruff, C. E. Fleming, and W. A. Richardson. Val Hottenroth, the truant officer who took Mr. Zuercher’s place, also served as a pallbearer. Students and staff members of Sandusky City Schools collected enough money to purchase flowers for Mr. Zuercher as well as a grave marker. Ulrich Zuercher was buried at Oakland Cemetery.

Residence of Simeon Galloway in Perkins Township

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This is the residence of Simeon Galloway in Perkins Township from the latter part of the nineteenth century. A description of early homes in Perkins Township was provided in the chapter on Perkins Township in History of Erie County, Ohio, edited by Lewis Cass Aldrich. These early residences were made of logs, and usually consisted of just one room with an open fireplace. Windows were made of greased paper, the floor and door were made from a simple slab, and no nails were used. In the 1860 U.S. Census for Perkins Township of Erie County, Ohio, Simeon Galloway was listed as age 42, occupation farmer, and his birthplace was Pennsylvania. His wife Amelia, age 38, was born in Ohio. Simeon and Amelia had a son and six daughters, ranging in age from infancy to 19. Simeon Galloway died in 1890, and his wife Amelia died in 1900. Both are buried in Perkins Cemetery.

By viewing the Agricultural Schedules for Erie County, Ohio from 1860, we learn that Simeon Galloway’s farm was on ten acres of improved land. He had a milk cow, and two other cattle, and the crops on his farm included wheat, corn, oats and sweet potatoes. Mr. Galloway also produced one hundred pounds of butter between June 1, 1859 and June 1, 1860. The Sandusky Library Archives Research Center has the Agricultural Schedules for Erie County for 1850, 1860, 1870, and 1880. Usually several counties are contained on one roll of microfilm. While there is no surname index to the Agricultural Schedules, a little time spent browsing in the township where one’s ancestor resided can yield interesting details about that ancestor’s farm. Information is provided about acreage crops, and livestock. To learn more about the Nonpopulation Census Records compiled by the United States Government, see the website of the National Archives and Records Administration.

Artist Elizabeth Nourse and Her Mentor, Elizabeth Hudson

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A copy of this painting of water lilies, by Elizabeth Nourse, is in the Artists of Sandusky file at the Sandusky Library Archives Research Center. In 1882 Miss Nourse became acquainted with Mrs. John H. Hudson of Sandusky, Ohio. That fall, Mrs. Hudson served as a chaperone to Elizabeth Nourse while she attended the National Academy of Design in New York City. Elizabeth’s twin sister, Adelaide Nourse, became the wife of Benn Pitman in Sandusky, Ohio on August 10, 1882, so perhaps that is how Elizabeth Nourse happened to be in Sandusky at that time. Mrs. Hudson, who served as a mentor to several artists in Sandusky, is pictured in the photograph below.

In 1887, Elizabeth Nourse, with her sister Louise, sailed to France. They lived the rest of their lives abroad, except for a few brief visits back to the United States. In 1895 she became the first American woman to be made an Associée of the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts. Several works by Elizabeth Nourse can be seen at the Cincinnati Art Museum and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. An online exhibit of images created by Elizabeth Nourse can be seen at the Mercantile Library in Cincinnati. Elizabeth Nourse died on October 8, 1938 in Paris.

J. Rickers Mattresses and Upholstering

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According to the 1880 U.S. Census, John Rickers was born about 1854 in Schleswig, Germany. By 1878, he and his family were residing in Sandusky, Ohio, where Mr. Rickers ran an upholstery business. He also manufactured and sold mattresses. In the picture above, the side of the building advertised corn husks for sale. Corn husks were traditionally used in furniture cushions and mattresses, so perhaps Mr. Rickers sold the excess husks if he purchased too many from area farmers.

In 1880, the Rickers family consisted of John Rickers, age 26, his wife Lizzie, age 22, and two infant sons, Albert and Oscar. Mrs. Rickers, the former Elizabeth Maul, gave birth to a daughter Verna in 1880. The Rickers upholstering business was at various locations, including 141 Columbus Avenue, 730 Water Street, and at the southeast corner of Reese and Franklin Streets. Mr. John Rickers died on February 1, 1895. His funeral took place at the family residence on Franklin Street on March 3, 1895. Friends and relatives came from Norwalk, Oak Harbor, Chicago, and Philadelphia, to pay their respects. Rev. C.A. Vincent, pastor of the First Congregational Church officiated at the funeral, and several vocal selections were sung by a quartet. Members of the local Odd Fellows Lodge closed the graveside services, held at Oakland Cemetery. Mr. John Rickers was survived by his wife and three children. For a few years, Mrs. Lizzie Rickers ran the upholstering business, but eventually it was taken over by John Rickers’ son Oscar. The final location of the upholstery business operated by Oscar Rickers was 604 West Market Street. Oscar Rickers died in 1943.

Holiday Dinner for Lake Shore Electric Railway Employees

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The trainmen of the Lake Shore Electric Railway had a holiday dinner in a car barn in Fremont, Ohio on January 2, 1917. The only person identified is Joe Brownworth, the first person on the left. Elmer A. Whitney was the photographer. The Lake Shore Electric Railway was an interurban railway that ran between Cleveland and Toledo. It operated between 1901 and 1938, and was often called the streetcar.

For many years the Sandusky ticket office for the Lake Shore Electric Railway was in the Stone block at the southeast corner of Market Street and Columbus Avenue.

The Sandusky Library carries several books about the Lake Shore Electric Railway, including two authored by Harry Christiansen, and one by Herbert H. Harwood, Jr. and Robert S. Korach.

New Year’s Greetings from the Carriers of the Sandusky Register, 1858

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On January 1, 1858, the carriers of the Sandusky Register distributed this New Year’s greeting to local subscribers of the newspaper.

The lengthy poem tells the story of a young newspaper carrier who falls asleep in the press room and dreams of a giant who dwelled in a heavenly realm. The giant symbolized Progress, a hero who spread truth and goodness to all. The giant’s hands were upheld by the Press and Pen..

In 1858 the proprietor of the Sandusky Register was H.D. Cooke and Company. Henry David Cooke was the younger brother of Jay Cooke, the well known Civil War financier. He went on to served as the Governor of the District of Columbia from February 28, 1871 to September 13, 1873. In 1858 the Register was published daily, tri-weekly and weekly.

"Take a New Year’s Smoke"

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An advertisement in the December 26, 1898 issue of Sandusky Register suggested that area residents “Take a New Year’s Smoke” and make the resolution to smoke only the Imperial Cigar, sold for ten cents apiece at Dietz & Mischler, at 224 Columbus Avenue. A listing in the 1898 Sandusky City Directory lists the owners of Dietz & Mischler as Jacob Dietz and Daniel Mischler. They were manufacturers of fine cigars, and dealers in tobacco, pipes and smokers’ supplies.

Until about 1915, Puck, a cast zinc statue, stood in the front window of Dietz & Mischler’s store. After Dietz & Mischler closed, Puck landed in John and Henry Weier’s scrap yard on Hancock Street. Eventually Puck was rescued from the scrap yard by Charles Hoffman. Puck was placed atop a stand operated by the Hoffman family for many years at the corner of Scott and Hancock Streets.

Descendants of the Hoffman family donated Puck to the Follett House Museum in 1974. Puck can still be seen in the basement level of the Follett House.

Cigar making was a major business in Sandusky at the turn of the twentieth century. You can read about cigar making in Sandusky in a previous blog post.

Lasalle’s Store

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In time for the busy holiday shopping season of 1949, the Lasalle and Koch Company opened a Lasalle’s department store in downtown Sandusky at 247 Columbus Avenue. This location had previously been the site of the Sloane House, and now is an Erie County office building. Rev. Rush R. Sloane spoke at the opening ceremonies held on October 28, 1949. The Sandusky High School band, under the direction of B.F. Aldrich provided music for the event. Mayor Kahler cut the ribbon across the main entrance to the new Lasalle’s store. The store featured four floors of merchandise. The outside walls were made of light brick, and the front of Indiana limestone. Glass windows across the entire front and side of the store created a huge show window.

Lasalle’s sold clothing for every member of the family, along with home furnishings, shoes, appliances, and furniture. A snack bar in the basement provided lunch for employees as well as shoppers. A beauty shop was located on the third floor of Lasalle’s. When shoppers rode the elevator, an elevator operator assisted you in getting to the upper floors of Lasalle’s.

Pictured below are the first Sandusky sales managers for the Lasalle’s store in Sandusky. Lasalle’s provided jobs for many area residents through the years.

The Lasalle’s store served Sandusky area customers until 1981. Do you have any memories of shopping at the Lasalle’s in downtown Sandusky?

Santa in a Plane at the Reinhardt Ausmus Residence

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The unique Christmas decoration featuring Santa Claus as the pilot of an airplane once appeared on the roof of the home of Reinhardt Ausmus. While we do not know the exact date of the picture, Sandusky City Directories indicate that the Ausmus family resided at 1102 Buckingham Street in Sandusky, Ohio for over forty years, arriving in Sandusky in 1915. "Reiny" (as he was known by his friends) built and flew his first airplane at the age of 16. He went on to become a flight instructor during World War I, and he continued to teach after the war.

In 2007, Reinhardt Ausmus was inducted into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame. He was recognized for his "distinctive contribution to the progress of early aviation" as well as for his services contributing "to the well being of veterans and other citizens of the Sandusky area."

Christmas Observance at Sandusky Junior High School in 1944

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On December 22, 1944, the employees of Plum Brook Ordnance Works and their families and friends, met at Sandusky’s Junior High School (later known as Jackson Junior High School) for the third annual old-fashioned Christmas observance. All those in attendance received a program which included the words to several traditional Christmas carols.

Brief messages by local ministers, Rev. Theo J.C. Stellhorn, Sr. and Rev. C. J. Dobmeyer, offered reflections on peace while America was at war.

The Christmas Season in Sandusky, 1891

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This was the menu for Christmas time at the West House, a large hotel in Sandusky:

A variety of game and seafood were the main course, along with cold ham, chicken and tongue. Desserts included mince pie, lemon pie, cake, ice cream, and English plum pudding with brandy sauce.

Local companies advertised in the Sandusky Register for several weeks in December of 1891. The Fair, a store managed by M.N. Sisenwain opposite the Sloane House, sold dolls, books, mechanical toys, jewelry, china cups, glassware, pictures, and a wide assortment of gift items of “Christmas delights.” J. Krupp and Son sold books cases, beds, rockers, tapestries and furniture for the home or office. M. & A. Lebensburger, a leading Sandusky clothier, sold several styles of overcoats. The Bazar at 615 and 617 Market Street slashed prices just a few days before Christmas Day.

D.C. Powers ran a lengthy poem advertising the many items for sale at the D.C. Powers dry goods store at 142 Columbus Avenue. The first three stanzas, which appeared in the December 18, 1891 issue of the Sandusky Register, were:

Mother Christmas’ Answer

Santa came to “Mother Christmas”-
“Dear,” said he, “I’m sore perplexed!
Knotted was the kind old forehead,
One might almost think him vexed.
“Where I’m going to get my sleighful
of the rarest, brightest, best,
Prettiest things to please this worldful
Grown so captious, can’t be guessed!

Said his Dame, “I wonder at you!
Must be you’ve forgotten Powers;
I have found there gifts to rapture
These expectant bairns of ours.
For, you know, with all the worldful-
Stockings large, and stockings small,
You must cram form out your sleighful-
Nothing’s left for ours at all!”

“Then the quaint, delightful boxes-
Filled, the yare, with daintiest things-
Charming souvenirs, cards and booklets –
Everything the season brings,
Kerchiefs, hemstitched, plain, embroidered,
Silk and linen, grave and gay-
Finest values for the prices –
In bewildering display!”

The poem concludes with Santa deciding to fill his sleigh with items from D.C. Powers’ stock. This photograph, which shows an interior view of the D.C. Powers store, was taken in the latter part of the 1800s:

World War II Civilian Defense

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In 1982, a scrapbook was donated to the Sandusky Library Archives Research Center which features newspaper clippings about Civilian Defense activities in Sandusky between 1941 and 1943, during World War Two. The Civilian Defense Council in Sandusky was established by a city ordinance on December 15, 1941, following the Office of Civilian Defense having been created as a national agency on May 20, 1941. Leland Spore was coordinator of the Sandusky Civilian Defense in the early stages of the organization. When Mr. Spore left for active service duty Vincent F. Schubert took over. Earl C. Krueger served as the third coordinator of the Sandusky Civilian Defense Council.

The entire community joined in the activities of Civil Defense. In December of 1941, Dr. A. R Grierson, chief of the Medical Services Division, began voluntary enlistment for local men and women for the National Red Cross Volunteer Nurse’s Aide Course. Instruction was given so that volunteers had practical experience in hospital wards, kitchen, laboratory, x-ray, and surgery, should a major medical emergency arise. Dr. Grierson emphasized that the program was “no place for weaklings.” Local educator W.E. Weagly stated that “In the time of peace we go our separate ways. In time of war, we act together.” Members of the Erie County Ministerial Association voted unanimously that all members would lend their wholehearted to the Sandusky Civilian Defense Council in connection with work in public relations and civilian morale. In 1942 Fire Chief Wilson McLaughlin and Police Chief R.G. Bravard saw to it that area residents were trained as auxiliary firemen and policemen in case of an emergency. A Civilian Defense WWII Auxiliary Police helmet is now in the collections of the Follett House Museum.

A group of firemen and auxiliary firemen who were trained by the Sandusky Civilian Defense Council during World War Two are pictured below.

The “Salvage for Victory” campaign sponsored by the Sandusky Municipal Defense Council, asked Sandusky residents to save waste paper, rags, rubber and scrap metal. Items were collected by the Volunteers of America and then sold, with all proceeds paid to the Sandusky Municipal Defense Fund. In the fall of 1942 the Lions Club and Commodore Perry Post of the American Legion donated automobiles for the Sandusky Scrap Harvest campaign. Tire and specific food items and other goods were rationed.

The Sandusky Register Star News ran a full page advertisement on What to do in an Air Raid.

Civilian Defense movies were shown at the auditorium of Jackson Junior High School. A Civilian Defense and Flag Day Parade was held on Flag Day in June, 1942. Marching in the parade were members of the State Highway Patrol, Navy Mothers, VFW drum corps, Sandusky High School band, policemen, policemen, fireman, horsemen, ambulances, air wardens, and Civil Defense officials. Representing the War Plant division were Farrell Check, Brightman Nut, Plum Brooks Ordnance Works, and the Civil Air Patrol. The local U.S.O. provided hospitality for servicemen. On December 15, 1942, the Office of Civil Defense conducted a “dim-out” in Sandusky. Residents were asked to turn out all lights in their home. Automobiles were asked to place their headlights on dim, and travel at 15 miles per hour. They were not to use their telephone unless absolutely necessary. Once the “all clear” signal was blasted, lights could be used again. On March 2, 1943, a blackout drill was conducted simultaneously by 29 northern Ohio counties.

To view the World War Two Civilian Defense Scrapbook, inquire at the Reference Services Desk of the Sandusky Library. A concise summary of Civilian Defense activities in Sandusky appears in the Monday, May 7, 1945 issue of the Sandusky Register Star News, in the Victory in Europe edition, available on microfilm.

Bethel Church

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Bethel Church was begun as an outreach of the Methodist Episcopal Church to support the effort of the Western Seaman’s Friend Society to improve the moral and religious condition of seaman and boatmen in waters west of New York State. Rev. Thomas Cooper was the first minister of the Bethel Church in Sandusky in 1847. Early church services were held in the building occupied by the Custom House in Sandusky in the 1850s. In January of 1853 the Bethel Church on Water Street was dedicated. The architect for the church was H. White from Cleveland, Ohio. The church featured two towers which were 57 feet tall. Rev. E. R. Jewett was the minister of Bethel Church from 1855 through 1858. Bethel Church can be seen in the picture below. The location of the church on Water Street was very close to the harbor of Sandusky, making it easy for men aboard the lake vessels to attend Bethel Church.

Cooke Block

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Sandusky’s Cooke Block, at the northeast corner of Columbus Avenue and Market Street, has been in existence since the 1850s. Ellie Damm wrote in Treasure by the Bay that the north section, known as the Union Building, was built first, along Columbus Avenue. Wildman Mills erected a large building at the corner of Columbus Avenue & Market Street, and he sold the building to Charles E. and George A. Cooke in 1866. In about 1876 the Cooke Block and the former Union Building were consolidated. Sandusky city officials met in the Union Building and the Cooke Block in the early days of the city’s history. From 1882 until 1899, the Melville Brothers ran a wholesale and retail drug business in the main corner building of the Cooke Block. Josh B. Davis and J. H. Wagenet were insurance agents in the upper levels of the building. When the men of Company B returned home from the Spanish American War, a huge parade in downtown Sandusky welcomed them home.

By 1908 the Commercial National Bank was the main business in the corner building of the Cooke Block. A variety of other businesses were located in the Cooke Block, including insurance and real estate agents, lawyers, doctors, restaurants, and retail stores.

From about 1923 and into the 1930s, Fred A. Martin operated a wholesale and retail confectionery business in the Cooke Block. In the picture below, you can just barely read the name Martin’s under the Dining Room sign. By the time Martin’s Confectionery was in the Cooke Block, streetcars and automobiles had replaced horse drawn vehicles.

At the time of the Northwest Territory Celebration Parade in 1938, Walgreen’s Drugstore was located at 172 Columbus Avenue, where Martin’s had formerly been in business.

Holzaepfel Brothers Sporting Goods was at the northeast corner of Columbus Avenue and Market Street from the 1960s to the 1980s. More recently, antique shops have been located at this address. The street numbers have varied slightly through the years on Columbus Avenue and Market Street, and businesses have changed hands numerous times. Check the historical Sandusky City directories for the names and addresses of specific businesses that have been located in the Cooke Block through the years. Article 51 of From the Widow's Walk, Volume II, by Helen Hansen and Virginia Steinemann provides a concise history of the east side of the first block of Sandusky’s Columbus Avenue.

Captain George A. Brown

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George Arthur Brown was born in Canada on December 6, 1841 to Joseph and Ann (Arbor) Brown. He began his long career with Great Lakes vessels as a deck hand when he was age sixteen. At age twenty one, he was made mate on a ship that operated out of Detroit. In the early 1860’s, Mr. Brown was appointed captain of the J.O. Moss, a ship owned and operated by the Gilcher & Shuck Lumber Company. Captain Brown was connected with several ships throughout his lengthy career. For a time he owned and operated the Champion, a ship that carried lumber. For thirty two years, Captain Brown was on the route between Sandusky and the Lake Erie Islands. He was captain of the steamers Jay Cooke, the City of Sandusky, and the Arrow.

An article in the December 22, 1910 issue of the Sandusky Register stated that Captain Brown “was known by practically every islander and many people from different parts of the United States, who acquaintance he made during the summer seasons…He was a personal friend of Grover Cleveland and many other notables. During all his experience as a lake captain he never met with a serious mishap.” After a lengthy illness, Capt. George A. Brown passed away at Providence Hospital, on December 21, 1910. He was survived by his wife, a son, daughter, and several siblings. The funeral for Captain George A. Brown was held on the day after Christmas in 1910 at the Masonic Temple. Burial was at Oakland Cemetery. Captain Brown was involved in many aspects of life on the Great Lakes. He transported mail, goods, as well as hundreds of individuals to a variety of locations in the Lake Erie Islands.

Sandusky High School Orchestra in 1910

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In 1910 the Sandusky High School Orchestra was directed by Eugene B. Ackley, a well known musician and band leader. Several of the students in the school’s orchestra became prominent individuals in a number of different fields. Edward Hastings Vietmeier became the president of the Sandusky Sash and Door Company. Dr. Elmer H. Wirth was a professor at the University of Illinois from 1922 through1947, serving as Head of the Department of Pharmacognosy for several years. He was the author of seven books and more than 300 articles on pharmacy. Dr. Norbert Lange was a chemistry professor at Western Reserve University, who is known for writing the classic text Handbook of Chemistry. Dr. Lange and his wife were the benefactors for The Norbert A. and Marion Cleaveland Lange Trust of Sandusky Library, which has provided cultural and educational programs for Erie County residents for over twenty five years. Leonard Osberg served three two year terms as the Mayor of Vermilion in the 1940s. Corydon Bell, along with his wife Thelma, wrote several children’s books in the 1940s and 1950s. William Kerber lived to be 96 years of age. Mr. Kerber was a steel executive who managed the country's pig iron production during World War II. He died in Washington D.C. in April, 1990. These men, who achieved great things, got their start in Sandusky. Visit the Sandusky Library Archives Research Center to learn more about the lives of the individuals who called Sandusky home.

Nettie Baumeister Buder, Popular Performer

2011-11-30T10:58:00.002-05:00

Pictured above is Nettie Baumeister at the age of 21. Miss Nettie Baumeister was born on January 27, 1899 in Sandusky, Ohio to Albert and Laura Baumeister. She graduated from Sandusky High School in 1917. Nettie studied vocal music with Alma Harris Rogers, and she was a featured singer in several recitals. In the early 1920s Nettie was a popular performer in local amateur theatrical productions sponsored by the Kiwanis, Elks, church groups, and other civic organizations. At a large meeting of the Sandusky Chamber of Commerce in the spring of 1920, Nettie sang a solo, and she was forced to sing two encores, because the crowd enjoyed her performance so well! For many years Nettie was a secretary/receptionist for the Erie County Farm Extension Bureau.

On June 4, 1924, Nettie Baumeister married Edwin J. Buder. They had two sons, one of whom died while still in elementary school. Nettie Baumeister Buder was a lifelong member of Grace Episcopal Church, and she volunteered for forty years at the Grace Church Thrift Shop. She taught bridge, and was twice elected as president of the Women’s Association of the Plum Brook Country Club. Nettie was once honored for her many years of service in the former Memorial Hospital Guild. On November 30, 1996, Nettie Baumeister Buder died at the age of 97. She was buried at Oakland Cemetery, next to her husband Edwin, who had died in 1980. Nettie was survived by her son, Dr. Joseph Buder, four grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, and a step-grandson. Nettie Baumeister Buder lived a rich life, having brought joy to hundreds through her musical talent and many years of community service.

Henry Howe’s Historical Collections of Ohio

2011-11-28T11:39:00.001-05:00

Henry Howe (1816 -1893) was an author, publisher, historian, and bookseller, the son of Connecticut publisher Hezekiah Howe. The elder Howe’s bookshop was a popular gathering place for scholars and authors of New England.

It was at his father’s bookstore that Henry saw a copy of John W. Barber’s book, Historical Collections of Connecticut. In 1840, Henry Howe made arrangements to assist John W. Barber in preparing a similar book for the state of New York. Henry Howe worked on histories of New Jersey and Virginia. Many consider Henry Howe’s most notable project to be his Historical Collections of Ohio. Henry traveled throughout the state interviewing residents to collect historical facts. First, Henry traveled on foot, but soon he purchased a horse named “Pomp” in order to travel throughout the many counties in Ohio. He often drew sketches in public areas, which helped create interest in his work. As he collected facts and drew sketches, he also solicited subscriptions for the future book. Howe’s first edition of Historical Collections of Ohio was completed in 1847. The Ohio Historical Society states that “Eighteen thousand copies of the first edition were sold and Howe's book became the standard history of Ohio.” The title was revised and republished in several editions.

In the summer of 1885, Henry Howe decided to update his original work. This time, he covered the state by rail, and Henry carried with him a camera instead of a sketchpad. The July 23, 1886 issue of the Sandusky Register reported that Henry Howe was in Sandusky gathering information for his enlarged edition of the Historical Collections of Ohio. Though the first volume of the updated title appeared in 1889, Howe ran into financial troubles. The Ohio legislature purchased 1200 copies of the first volume of the history for $12,000, and eventually the State of Ohio purchased the plates and copyright to Henry Howe’s book. Henry Howe died, heavily in debt, on October 14, 1893. The State’s purchase of the copyright helped relieve his widow’s financial woes. The Sandusky Library was given a complimentary copy of Historical Collections of Ohio in Two Volumes by Ohio Representative W. E. Guerin, who served in the 75th General Assembly of Ohio.

John Beatty wrote in volume 2 of the Ohio Archaeological and Historical Quarterly:

“In brief, ‘Howe's Historical Collections of Ohio,’ next to the Bible and Noah Webster, should find a place under every Ohioan's roof-tree….”

Today, you can find a copy of the Historical Collections of Ohio in Two Volumes at the Sandusky Library. A variety of editions of this title are also available online, through Google Books, Making of America, and historical websites. Brief biographical sketches of Henry Howe appear in Ohio Authors and Their Books and Artists in Ohio, 1787-1900, which are found in the Reference Services area of the Sandusky Library.

WLEC's Holiday Cookbook

2011-11-24T14:54:00.000-05:00

In November 1974, Radio Station WLEC (1450 AM and 102.7 FM) published a “Holiday Foods Edition” cookbook. Nat Marshall and several other staff members of WLEC compiled the recipes, which were sent in by area listeners. Recipes included main dishes, desserts, beverages and several unique side dishes. Here is a recipe for eggnog pie:

Local businesses ran advertisements in the cookbook, primarily in shades of green.

Holiday greetings from the staff of WLEC appear in the middle of the cookbook.

Here is the staff of WLEC about 1975:

Businesses on Tiffin Avenue

2011-11-20T09:11:00.000-05:00

The 1855 Sandusky City Directory lists several businesses on Tiffin Avenue, including a barber, cooper, blacksmith, and a grocer. David Bruckner and Florian Ulmer had a blacksmith shop on Tiffin Avenue near Monroe Street in the 1880s.

Mrs. Conrad Frank’s bakery was located first at Tiffin Avenue, but later moved to Columbus Avenue.

The Kuebeler brewing plant was built on Tiffin Avenue near Broadway Street in 1893, after the previous brewery was destroyed in a fire. In 1896 the Kuebeler and Stang breweries merged to form the Kuebeler-Stang Brewing Company. Two years later the Kuebeler- Stang Brewery became part of the Cleveland and Sandusky Brewing Company. Most of the breweries in Sandusky closed during Prohibition. One of the Kuebeler-Stang plants survived by making soft drinks, but it too closed in 1935, and all remaining beer production moved to Cleveland.

The Industrial Nut Corporation, which began as the Brightman Nut and Manufacturing Company, has been located on Tiffin Avenue for one hundred years.

George J. Bing built carriages at his garage on Tiffin Avenue in the early twentieth century, before his untimely death in 1914.

Many businesses have come and gone (and many still remain) on Tiffin Avenue, including Kerber’s Marine Grocery, Pietschman’s Shoes, and a variety of restaurants, gas stations, drugstores, and other businesses. A major Erie County employer, Ford Motor Company, now known as Automotive Components Holdings, opened an assembly plant on Tiffin Avenue in 1955. The picture below shows local Ford employees working in the 1960s.

Louis Zistel, an Early German Immigrant

2011-11-17T08:39:00.002-05:00

Louis Zistel was born in Germany in 1830, and came to the Sandusky in 1848 (during the time of revolutionary upheavals in Europe). Because of the cholera epidemic of 1849, he went back to Germany for a time, but returned to Sandusky in the mid 1850s. His first wife was Anna Rosenkranz. The couple’s first two children, Oscar and Louis, were born in Germany. Louis died in infancy. After moving to Ohio, they had several more children: twins Ottomar and Oswald, Wilhelmina, Herman and Hedwig. Mrs. Anna Zistel died in 1877, when several of the children were quite young. On May 12, 1879 Louis married Catherine Peters, whom the Zistel children fondly called “Grandma.”

Several members of the Zistel family are pictured below. The Platt Photograph Company made a stereographic image of the Zistel residence and boatyard.

According to an article in the March 7, 1899 issue of the Sandusky Register, Louis Zistel owned the first steam fishing tug in Sandusky Bay. He was connected with boats and fishing for many years. During the Civil War, he was issued a government contract to transport Confederate prisoners to the Union prison camp at Johnson’s Island. One of his steamers was named the Young Reindeer. In 1870, Zistel ferried Sandusky residents to Cedar Point, where there was a bath house, sand boxes and swings for children, and dancing for adults. The fee for the boat ride was twenty five cents.

Zistel operated the Atlantic Garden, a boat house saloon, in the 1870s. For a time he also featured a large aquarium at the Atlantic Garden, as well as a bear and other animals.

Louis Zistel died on March 3, 1889, after a long battle with throat cancer. His four sons served as active pallbearers. Funeral services were held at the Zistel residence at 319 Meigs Street, and were largely attended. The Sandusky Register reported, “Old German citizens, whose ranks are being so rapidly depleted, paid their tribute to their deceased friend and fellow citizen.”

In the Sandusky Library Archives Research Center are The Reminiscences of Herman Zistel and The Childhood Memories of Hedwig Zistel, two of the children of Louis Zistel. These reminiscences are a firsthand account of growing up in Sandusky in the nineteenth century. They include stories about the loss of their mother, family pets, childhood pranks, and favorite pastimes of members of a very lively family. Ask at the Reference Desk if you would like to view The Reminiscences of Herman Zistel or The Childhood Memories of Hedwig Zistel.

Uncle Tom’s Cabin Played in Sandusky in 1928

2011-11-14T12:03:00.000-05:00

From November 14 through November 17, 1928, the motion picture Uncle Tom’s Cabin played at the Schine’s State Theater in Sandusky, Ohio. An advertisement which appeared in the November 14, 1928 issue of the Sandusky Register stated that the movie cost two million dollars to produce, and took two years to complete. The motion picture had a score of star principals, a cast of hundreds, and “three great human dramas of passion, in a story that will live forever.” An extra attraction at the movie was singing and dancing by “Uncle Tom’s Harmony Boys.” The cost for the matinee show was twenty five cents for adults and fifteen cents for children. Evening performances cost forty cents for adults and twenty cents for children.

A Military Family: Commodore Robert Gracey Denig and Jean Livingston Hubbard Denig

2011-11-11T08:43:00.002-05:00

Robert Gracey Denig was born in Columbus, Ohio on May 22, 1851. After high school, he attended and graduated from the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland. Robert Gracey Denig had a long and distinguished naval career which spanned thirty five years. During the Panama Revolution, Denig served on three different vessels, the Saranac, Tuscarora, and Benicia. Before that, when the U.S.S. Huron was wrecked off the coast of North Carolina on November 24, 1877, Denig was one of the few survivors.

Robert Gracey Denig's wife was the former Jane Livingston Hubbard, whom he married in 1878. Jane was the daughter of Lester Hubbard and Jane Livingston, prominent pioneer residents of Sandusky.

Mr. and Mrs. Denig had two children, a daughter Garcia, and a son named Robert L. Denig. Commodore Robert Gracey Denig retired from the Navy on June 30, 1908. He died on April 9, 1924, and he was buried with full military honors in the Arlington National Cemetery, Washington. D. C. Mrs. Denig died in 1945 in the same home in which she was born, at 134 East Adams Street in Sandusky.

Commodore Denig’s son, Robert L. Denig, who was born in 1884, became a Brigadier General with the United States Marine Corps. He served with the Fifth Marines, 3rd and 2nd Divisions in the American Expeditionary Forces in World War One and in Nicaragua in 1930-1931.

Brigadier General Robert L. Denig was the first Director of Public Relations for the U.S. Marines in 1941. The September 2007 issue of the Leatherneck magazine features an article about “Denig’s Demons.” Robert L. Denig recruited hundreds of reporters, photographers, artists, and radio men to inform the American public about the role of the Marines during World War II. Brigadier General Robert L. Denig passed away in 1979.

Several members of the Denig family are buried at Arlington National Cemetery, including Commodore Robert Gracey Denig and his wife Jean; their son Brigadier General Robert L. Denig, his wife Maud, and their sons Charles Alfred Ely Denig and Robert L. Denig, Jr.

Another son of Brigadier General Robert L. Denig, a Marine tank officer named James L. Denig, lost his life during World War II.

To learn more details about the military careers of Commodore Robert Gracey Denig and Brigadier General Robert L. Denig, see volume IV of History of Ohio, by Charles B. Galbreath, available in the section of genealogical books at the Sandusky Library. (Page 301-303 are devoted to the Denigs.) See Article 2 in Helen Hanson’s book At Home in Early Sandusky, for more information about the Hubbard and Denig families and their Sandusky home at the corner of Adams and Wayne Streets.

Program Announcement: Brown Bag Lunch Series - If Louisa May Alcott Visited Sandusky

2011-11-09T13:35:00.000-05:00

As part of the Louisa May Alcott program series at the Sandusky Library, we will hold a special Brown Bag Lunch on Wednesday, November 16 at 12:00 noon in the Library Program Room. Join us as we take a look back to 1860s Sandusky through the eyes of a visitor to our community. What would Louisa May Alcott have done in Sandusky? Who would she have visited? What sites would she have seen? Museum Administrator Maggie Marconi will take you on a journey to 1860s Sandusky. Registration is requested but not required. To register, call the Library at 419-625-3834.

T.C. Adams, Civil War Veteran and Merchant

2011-11-08T14:21:00.001-05:00

Thomas C. Adams was born in England about 1839 to Thomas and Catherine (Cooley) Adams. When quite young, Thomas C. Adams came to the United States with his parents, and they settled in Edmeston, New York. During the Civil War Thomas C. Adams enlisted with the 121st New York Infantry. He rose to the rank of Lieutenant, but was seriously wounded in battle. Notes in the 1890 Veterans Schedules, accessible at Ancestry Library Edition, indicate that he lost his left arm during the war. In the early 1860s Thomas C. Adams married Emily Bower. Their first two children, Nelson and Robert, were born in New York State. Mr. and Mrs. Adams had several more children after they moved to Erie County, Ohio. The Combination Atlas Map of Erie County, published by Stewart & Page in 1874, shows that the Adams family resided close to Cold Creek, just west of Depot Street in 1874.

According to the publication Margaretta Township, Castalia Village, Past and Present, put out by the Cold Creek Girl Scouts in 1976, Mr. T.C. Adams, along with several other businessmen, formed Castalia Milling Company in 1875. The mill could produce 125 barrels of flour a day. Eventually T.C. Adams and his son ran a wholesale flour, fruit and produce business in downtown Sandusky. For most of his life, T.C. Adams resided in Margaretta Township, but he did move to Sandusky for a few years, and then returned to the Castalia Area. T.C. Adams and Son provided supplied flour to the Ohio Soldiers and Sailors Home for the year 1896. T.C. Adams retired from active business about 1901, and his son took over the business. On November 13, 1903, T. C. Adams passed away while visiting with the Quinn family in Sandusky County. Thomas C. Adams left behind a widow, five daughters, and two sons. Rev. C. L. Johnson of Trinity Methodist Church conducted services at the Adams home, and burial was at Castalia Cemetery.

Samuel and Fredericka Tebbutt

2011-11-05T10:30:00.000-04:00

Samuel and Fredericka Tebbutt were married in Erie County, Ohio in October of 1875. The former Fredericka Zanger was the daughter of John and Louisa Zanger. She was born in New York State. Samuel Tebbutt was the son of Samuel and Ann Tebbutt, who were both natives of England. The elder Samuel Tebbutt came to the United States in the 1860s, where he worked as a house painter. Ralph Smalley Tebbutt, another son of Samuel and Ann Tebbutt was a well known painter in Sandusky. The younger Samuel Tebbutt worked as a professional sign painter, but he painted landscapes as a hobby. This painting of a stone powder magazine from Johnson’s Island, by Samuel Tebbutt, can be seen at the Follett House Museum.

These New England scenes were also painted by Samuel Tebbutt.

Fredericka Tebbutt died in 1926, and Samuel Tebbutt died in 1939. They are buried in the family lot at Oakland Cemetery.

The book Artists in Ohio, 1787-1900: A Biographical Dictionary features brief biographical sketches of hundreds of artists from Ohio. To see this book inquire at the Reference Services desk at the Sandusky Library.

Garage at the Corner of West Washington and Jackson Streets

2011-11-02T13:29:00.001-04:00

In 1916 and 1917, the Sandusky Motor and Vulcanizing Company operated at the corner of Jackson and West Washington Streets. The business was run by Charles B. Spencer and Linden Scheid. (A portion of the Erie County Courthouse is visible in the background.)

One of the signs on the building advertised “Hupmobile Service.” The Hupmobile was built between 1909 and 1940 in Detroit, Michigan. At the garage repairs were made to automobiles and tires, and oil and grease were sold.

In 1917, Mr. Spencer and Mr. Scheid dissolved their partnership. At least two other garages were in business at this location, until 1925. Sandusky’s third Post Office was built here between 1925 and 1927. The Customs Office and U.S. Weather Bureau also had offices at the Post Office. The Post Office was at this location until 1986, when it moved to 2220 Caldwell Street. In July of 1990, the Merry Go Round Museum opened in the former Post Office building. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. An historic marker was placed at this site in 2001.

A View of Meigs Street and the East Waterfront in 1876

2011-10-30T15:35:00.001-04:00

In about 1876 photographer A.C. Platt created a series of stereoscopic views of the region, which he called The Isles of Lake Erie. Pictured above is a view on Sandusky which features Meigs Street and the waterfront. Sandusky resident Leroy Hinkey created a key to this image.

Sycamore School can be seen at the top right of the picture. Louis Zistel’s aquarium and boat livery are numbers 2 and 3 in the picture, adjacent to the Atlantic Gardens, also owned by Mr. Zistel. Two ice houses and residences, and several Sandusky businesses can also be seen in the picture. We are fortunate that Leroy Hinkey had the foresight to allow future Sandusky residents to have of a better understanding of life in Sandusky in a time gone by.

The Beecher House

2011-10-27T13:24:00.000-04:00

Built in the 1847, the building located in downtown Sandusky at 215 West Washington Row was originally the home of Lucas S. Beecher, an early Sandusky lawyer, and his family.

Helen Hansen wrote in At Home in Early Sandusky wrote that at the time it was built, the home sat on a large lot, with a coach house, barn, and garden. Lucas S. Beecher’s home was a “safe house” during the time of the Underground Railroad. The Gilcher brothers’ horse drawn herdic line carried passengers by the Beecher house on one of their three routes. Mr. and Mrs. Lucas Beecher lived here until their deaths in 1882. Mr. and Mrs. Beecher’s heirs sold the house in 1900. The Beecher house has had several different owners throughout the years and was home to a variety of businesses. From 1932 until about 1977, the Commodore Denig Post No. 83, American Legion was located at 215 West Washington Row.

Other businesses which operated here include: the Central Union Telephone Company, Christian Science Reading Room, Irma Waldkircher’s Ladies Apparel, a physician, and a civil engineer. For many years in the 1980s and 1990s, 215 West Washington Street was a community room for a bank. The Beecher House continues to serve as home to several businesses in Sandusky. To read more about Lucas S. Beecher and the Beecher house, see Article 15 of Helen Hansen’s At Home in Early Sandusky.

Conrad Ebert, Jr., Druggist

2011-10-24T11:51:00.003-04:00

From about 1889 until his death in 1934, Conrad Ebert, Jr. was the proprietor of a drugstore located at 901 Columbus Avenue. The store extended from Columbus Avenue to Hayes Avenue. (The early house number was 807 Columbus Avenue.) Conrad Ebert, Jr. was born in Sandusky, Ohio 1860 to Conrad and Margaret Ebert, who were both natives of Germany. Mr. Ebert’s store had the words Deutsch Apotheke on one side of the store, which means German Pharmacy in English. The words Drugs and Medicines appear on the right side of the door to the business. Advertisements for Sen-Sen, Borden’s Malted Milk, and Ox-Hart chocolates can be seen in the windows.

An interior view of the drug store shows shelves lined with bottles and tins. Some of the products Mr. Ebert sold were Prof. Fields worm powder, Hostetter's Stomach Bitters, Mentholatum, Candy Cathartic Cascarets, and Colgate’s Tooth Powder. Gum and cigars were also carried at Mr. Ebert’s store.

Conrad Ebert, Jr. died on September 22, 1934, at the age of 73. He was among the oldest druggists in Sandusky at the time of his death, and he had been highly respected in the community. He was survived by his widow, the former Miss Emma Dornbirer, and a daughter Helen. Conrad’s son Paul died as a young man in 1922. Conrad Ebert, Jr. was buried in the family lot at Oakland Cemetery.

Letter from Dr. R. R. McMeens to the Ladies’ Soldiers’ Aid Society

2011-10-22T08:48:00.002-04:00

Written on October 22, 1861, a letter from Dr. R. R. McMeens to Mrs. A.H. Moss, President of the Ladies’ Soldiers’ Aid Society of Grace Church, was published in the November 2, 1861 issue of the Sandusky Register.

Dr. McMeens was the Surgeon of the Third Ohio Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War. He wrote the letter from Camp Elkwater, West Virginia.

The letter begins,

“My Dear Madam: Allow me the pleasure of acknowledging the very generous and acceptable donation to the sick and suffering soldiers under my care, and to express to you, and through you to the ladies of the Soldiers’ Aid Society, the profound and grateful thanks of the sick and wounded of our Regiment now in Hospital…No balm of Gilead nor dew of Hermon could have blest or brought more comfort. You can have no adequate conception of the hardships, privations or discomforts we have endured in these inhospitable and desolate mountains, and therefore cannot comprehend the full extent of the inestimable boon you have conferred, with a personal realization of our condition.”

Dr. McMeens went on to describe the conditions he and the soldiers of the Third Ohio experienced. They spent the greater part of their time directly in the face of the enemy, often in drenching rain. The thickets and brambles they encountered destroyed the fibers of the soldiers’ clothing. The hospital was a tent in an open field, upon the damp, bare earth, with an insufficient supply of straw and blankets. One man lay unconscious for two weeks, suffering from typhoid fever, and his makeshift bed was often infested with snakes. Food was in extreme shortage as well. Food sent from the Ladies’ Soldiers’ Aid Society of Grace Church was appropriated between sick patients and in the hospital. He told of the contrast between the soldiers’ former home life and their current difficult situation. “Many of our sick are young men, who have enjoyed all the comforts of life and been blessed with good homes, and could command them now, if means of transportation were possible; and more grateful recipients, and more manifestations of joy, and expressions of thanks, I have never witnessed before. I wish you all could have been present, as you would have felt repaid for your labor and devotion to the sick, but honest-hearted soldiers.” Dr. McMeens considered the generosity of the Ladies’ Soldiers’ Aid Society to have been a work of love and high-born patriotism. He signed the letter, “Your humble servant, R. R. McMeens, Surgeon 3d Ohio Regiment.” In a postscript to his letter, Dr. McMeens explained that the generous food and supplies sent from the Sandusky ladies almost never made it to Camp Elkwater. Government Agents stated that they could transport nothing but official Government supplies, but Dr. Seys, “with great difficulty, and by cunning device,” secured an ambulance, and brought the supplies to Camp Elkwater.

Dr. Robert R. McMeens worked tirelessly as a Surgeon during the Civil War. He died while serving at the Battle of Perryville in Kentucky on October 30, 1862. Dr. McMeens was buried at Oakland Cemetery.

Professor and Mrs. W. A. Loades

2011-10-11T12:00:00.000-04:00

Pictured above are Walter A. and Emily Loades. According to the January 1, 1897 issue of the Sandusky Register, Professor Walter A. Loades died on New Year’s Day at the age of 64. Professor Loades, who had lived at 917 Madison Street in Sandusky, was a talented musician and violinist. He had been trained in the Royal Academies of London and Paris, at the expense of the English court. While a young man, Walter was a member of Queen Victoria’s orchestra at Windsor Castle. Prior to moving to the United States in 1872, Professor Loades traveled with Jenny Lind. After moving to Sandusky, Professor Loades married a local young lady named Emily. Mrs. Loades passed away in 1894. The Sandusky Register stated about Professor Loades that “scores of Sandusky musicians owe their accomplishments to him.” Professor and Mrs. W.A. Loades are buried in Block 93 at Oakland Cemetery. Though Professor Loades was quite successful in his profession, he died in poor circumstances.

Erie County Oil Products Company Truck

2011-10-08T16:23:00.000-04:00

The Erie County Oil Products Company was incorporated in October, 1920. J.G. Wiedenhaefer was the company president, and it is most likely Mr. Widenhaefer who is pictured above next to the company truck. Other officers in the early 1920s included: Alvin D. Reinke, Vice President; Oscar A. Reinke, Secretary-Treasurer; an L.A. Leonhiser, Manager. The 1921 Sandusky City Directory stated that the Erie County Oil Products Company was a dealer in gasoline, kerosene, and lubricating oils, and was located at the northeast corner of Hancock and Scott Streets. By 1923, the company was known as the Erie County Oil Company, and operated a filling station at the northwest corner of Monroe and Tiffin Avenue. This particular service station, at 649 Tiffin Avenue, was named to the National Register of Historic Places. Though no longer a gas station, for several years it provided gas and oil for drivers on the west end of Sandusky. The Erie County Oil Company changed owners and locations throughout its many years of existence. For a long time, the Erie County Oil Company was the distributor of Fleet Wing products, and later the company supplied home heating oils to area residents. The last year that the Erie County Oil Company appeared in the Sandusky City Directory was in 2000. At that time, it was located at 1318 Cleveland Road.

Program Announcement: Tom Root Aerial Photos of Sandusky, 1949-2000

2011-10-06T16:23:00.000-04:00

Join Archives Librarian Ron Davidson and aerial photographer Thomas Root in the Library Program Room on Saturday, October 15, at 2:00 p.m. to view a presentation of photographs of the Sandusky area taken by Mr. Root from circa 1950 to the 21st Century. Most of the images are part of the Tom Root Aerial Photographs collection in the Sandusky Library’s Archives Research Center. You’ll see some unfamiliar perspectives of familiar locations, learn a little about aerial photography, and hear about some of Mr. Root’s experiences shooting photos from the sky. Registration is requested, but not required.

Carl H. Stubig, Local Politician and Newspaper Man

2011-10-05T10:59:00.038-04:00

Carl H. Stubig was born on October 5, 1886 in Sandusky, Ohio, to Christian and Catherine (Lanz) Stubig, who were both natives of Germany. After working for several years in newspapers in New York and Canada, Carl returned to Sandusky and worked briefly for the Sandusky Star Journal. Carl H. Stubig published a weekly newspaper in Sandusky entitled Stubig’s Weekly between 1915 and 1918. Stubig's editorials and his approach when describing political foes caused a great deal of controversy and agitation throughout the city's political circles.

In 1914 Carl Stubig lost the Republican nomination for mayor to Charles F. Mischler. Stubig's defeat and his support against a campaign to change the city's charter put him as a leading figure in Sandusky politics. Following the adoption of a new city charter, Stubig was one of twenty-seven candidates running to fill the five positions on the first City Commission, established by the new city charter. Despite the number of candidates and the ferocious nature of the campaign, Stubig won a seat and took office as a City Commissioner on January 1, 1916.

His service on the commission was often controversial. At one point during his term, the local Congregational minister assailed Stubig from the pulpit, referring to him as a demagogue and a reactionary. And on March 20, 1916, Stubig took it upon himself to have a “test run” of the city’s fire department. He pulled the fire alarm at city hall during a blinding snow storm. City streets were dangerously slippery, and Henry Rudolph, a veteran Sandusky fireman, fell from the No. 3 hook and ladder truck while answering the false alarm. Mr. Rudolph survived the accident for several months, but he died on February 23, 1917 as a result of the injuries he sustained.

An article in the December 22, 1917 issue of the Sandusky Star Journal reported that Carl H. Stubig was tired of the town of Sandusky. Stubig moved to Akron, where he was the courthouse reporter for the Akron Times. Then he worked at the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company as a member of the publicity department. Later, Carl H. Stubig was secretary to C.L. Knight of the Akron Beacon Journal. On May 2, 1930, Carl H. Stubig died suddenly of heart disease at his home in Akron, Ohio, at the age of 48. An obituary found in the 1930 Obituary Notebook stated that Mr. Stubig was to be buried at Sandusky’s Oakland Cemetery. However, the Oakland Cemetery interment card for Carl H. Stubig has a note indicating that in July on 1930, the remains of Carl H. Stubig had been transferred to Marion, Ohio.

Carl H. Stubig was a dynamic individual, and he was passionate in his beliefs and goals. Though his life was brief, he made an impact on many people in several different communities. The picture of Carl H. Stubig below was taken in Albany, New York on April 14, 1912, when Mr. Stubig was with the Knickerbocker Press.

Ben Wilson, Football Coach at Sandusky High School

2011-10-02T15:31:00.010-04:00

Before Sandusky High School’s “Sensational Sixties,” the 1958 and 1959 Sandusky High School football teams were coached by Ben Wilson. Jack Wilson and Bob Seaman were assistant coaches in the fall of 1958. Team members were known as Wilsonmen according to the FRAM.

In 1942, Ben Wilson was the starting center for Dover High School’s undefeated football team. After graduating from Heidelberg College in 1947, Ben Wilson coached at Wellston, Mount Vernon, and Warren Harding high schools. From 1965 to 1968, he was the offensive coordinator at the University of Virginia. In 1968 Ben Wilson was hired to be the head football coach for Wichita State University. Bob Seaman, who was an assistant coach at Sandusky High, also served as Ben Wilson’s assistant coach at Wichita State.

A tragic plane crash in Colorado took the lives of Ben Wilson, his wife, several Wichita State football players and other individuals on October 2, 1970. Twenty nine people lost their lives in the accident, and two later died as a result of their injuries. A ceremony of remembrance is held each year on October 2, to honor those who perished in the plane crash of 1970. The Ben and Helen Wilson Memorial Scholarship was established at Wichita State University in their honor. A documentary created by Public Television station KPTS, entitled “Black & Gold: Remembering the WSU Plane Crash,” features interviews with survivors of the plane crash, and family members of those who lost their lives.

Program Announcement: Brown Bag Lunch Series - Maritime Sandusky in the 1860s

2011-10-01T09:40:00.004-04:00

With its friendly harbor, waterfront rail access, and bustling downtown, Sandusky was a transportation hub in the 19th Century. Join us when Neil Allen, Executive Director of the Sandusky Maritime Museum, delves into maritime travel of the 1860s and how it influenced commerce of the era.

Registration is requested, but not required. To register, call 419-625-3834 and press 0 to speak with a switchboard operator (10-5, Monday-Friday) or press Option 6 to leave a message.

Sandusky Police in 1915

2011-09-29T11:45:00.000-04:00

In this picture from about 1915, Sandusky police officers are lined up across Columbus Avenue for a parade. Pictured above are: Sam Beach, Otto Rudolph, Officer Curtis, Leo Schiefley, John Molz, Henry Scherer, August David, John Rimidy, Sam Black, Joseph Schlitt, John B. Taylor, Dan Loveland, John Hobert, Adam Zimmerman, Andrew Polta, Melville White, Conrad Hobert, Henry Ringholz, George Dean, Jay Perry, Peter Herb, Al Tremper, John Bauer, George Leitz, and John DeMuth.

This portrait image of Samuel Beach allows a clearer view of the police uniform of that era.

Sandusky policemen are pictured below in an unidentified parade. The streetcar rails are clearly visible, and a marching band is behind the group of policemen. A little boy wearing a hat and knickers appears to be very interested in the parade.

Professor J.D. Luse

2011-09-26T09:33:00.000-04:00

An article in the September 26, 1900 issue of the Sandusky Daily Star reported that Professor J. D. Luse had moved to Sandusky to become supervisor of music in the Sandusky schools. Between 1890 and 1909, Jesse D. Luse authored several music books. The series of books in his “Wreath Music Course” were used in the curriculum of public schools, as well as in one room schools throughout the Midwest.

The Laurel Wreath of Song was published by J. D. Luse in 1902, when he resided in Sandusky. The book contained popular songs, patriotic songs, selections to sing in harmony, as well as hymns.

“Sweet Spring is Returning” was written by F. Silcher, and arranged by J. D. Luse.

In 1904, Professor Luse moved back to Columbus, where he planned to devote his time to his publishing business.

Civil War Letter from Samuel Clock

2011-09-23T13:08:00.000-04:00

On July 23, 1861, Samuel Clock from Monroeville, Ohio wrote a letter to his cousin David Clock. Samuel, who was born James Samuel Clock, was serving as a First Lieutenant in Company G of the Ohio 24th Infantry. He was at Camp Chase at the time he wrote the letter.

Sam discussed how the troops had been reviewed by Colonel John C. Fremont and Governor Dennison. They were soon to be receiving arms and overcoats, and he was to be ready to receive orders at any time. Most of Sam’s letter dealt with matters of the heart. He was not sure if he loved Linda or not, but he had hoped to spend time with her that summer, had he not enlisted in Army. A transcription of Sam’s letter is below.

Military records from the American Civil War Soldiers database at Ancestry Library Edition indicate that that a J. Clock resigned from the 24th Ohio Infantry on October 25, 1861. However, on March 20, 1863, he enlisted as a First Lieutenant in Company L of the Third Ohio Cavalry. Near the end of the Civil War, James Samuel Clock wat wounded at Macon, Georgia. He died on July 2, 1865, after the war ended. The book, History of the Firelands, by W. W. Williams, tells us that J. Samuel Clock was the son of Samuel and Maria (Vroman) Clock of Ridgefield Township, Huron County, Ohio.

Ohio Grape Festival Held in Sandusky, 1940

2011-09-20T15:45:00.000-04:00

Sandusky, Ohio was home to the Ohio Grape Festival, held from September 19 to September 22, 1940. On the first day of the Festival, sponsored by the Junior Chamber of Commerce, the selection of the Ohio Grape Festival Queen took place. Jerry Brumfield, of Huntington, West Virginia, was crowned Ohio Grape Queen. Her attendants were: Betty Scott, Pat Howard, Helen Knapp, Doris Kennedy, and Clara Bence.

Exhibits were displayed at the Cedar Point dock at the foot of Columbus Avenue. A tour of the city and area wineries was held on Friday, September 20, with the queen and her court in attendance. A banquet was held on Friday evening, with Ohio Governor John Bricker as the speaker. On Saturday, September 21, a Grape Growers’ Institute was held at Sandusky High School, then on Adams Street. The Ohio Grape Festival Parade was held at 3 p.m. on Saturday. Thousands lined the streets of Sandusky to view the many floats, bands, and marching groups. The Engels and Krudwig float was judged as the best float. Its theme was “God Bless America.”

The John G. Dorn Winery float featured huge grapes made from balloons. Sisters Dorothy and Lois Eberly rode the Dorn float.

The float sponsored by Mantey’s Vineyard and Winery, from Venice, Ohio, featured a revolving book, to represent a “best seller.” Mary Mantey held the pages open.

The Sandusky Star Journal of September 22, 1940 reported that an estimated 75,000 people attended the various events during the 1940 Ohio Grape Festival. Visit the Sandusky Library Archives Research Center to see more historic photographs from this and other Grape Festivals held in Sandusky, Ohio.

The Mad River and Lake Erie Railroad Centennial

2011-09-17T14:00:00.001-04:00

On September 17, 1835, ground was broken for the Mad River and Lake Erie Railroad in Sandusky, Ohio. The foreword of the program for the Centennial Ceremony of the Founding of The Mad River and Lake Erie Railroad describes the exciting event.

These two pages from the souvenir program list the names of the persons who took part in the original ground breaking ceremony as well as the names of the people involved in the Centennial celebration:

Rev. T.J.C. Stellhorn gave the invocation at the Centennial Ceremony, which took place at Jackson Junior High School in Sandusky. After Mayor George C. Schade welcomed the attendees, Professor Harlow Lindley, secretary of the Ohio State Archaeological and Historical Society addressed the group. The progress of railroads was discussed by C. G. Stevens, superintendent of the B & O Railway, and George T. Carlin of the Railway Express Agency spoke about the progress of railway express service.

A reenactment of General William H. Harrison turning over the first shovel of dirt at the 1835 groundbreaking ceremony took place, with Walter S. Brann representing General Harrison, who later would become President of the United States. Governor Martin L. Davey gave the address, followed by an oration by local historian Hewson L. Peeke. The Sandusky High School band provided music for the ceremony, and Rev. William F. Murphy closed with the benediction.

A history of the Mad River and Lake Erie Railroad is found at the website of the Mad River and Nickel Plate Railroad Museum. The Ohio Memory Online Scrapbook features an 1849 Annual Report of the Mad River and Lake Erie Railroad .

Frank Steinle’s Automatic Wonder Clock

2011-09-15T11:41:00.000-04:00

In 1897 Frank Steinle exhibited an automated clock in the pavilion of a summer resort at Johnson’s Island. Frank Steinle was a German immigrant who settled in Sandusky, Ohio, where he worked as a cooper. It took Mr. Steinle twenty five years to build the clock. The two thousand pound mechanical clock was twelve feet tall and ten feet wide. The cabinet was made of oak and walnut. Mr. Steinle’s daughters stated that he had no plans or diagrams for building the clock, but that he had based it on the Nuremberg clock in Germany. There were five themes on the clock: the races of man, the four periods of life, angels, patriotism, and religion. Figures waved flags on the hour, and angels struck bells on the quarter hour. Dials on the lower half of the clock showed the earth revolving on its axis, the phases of the moon, the twelve signs of the Zodiac, the day of the week, as well as the month, year, and season. A pipe organ inside the clock played popular tunes. According to notes in the historical files at the Sandusky Library Archives Research Center, Ferdinand V. Seibert did art work on the face of the clock.

Admission was charged to see the clock, which Mr. Steinle clamed was “The Greatest and Handsomest Work of Mechanical Ingenuity of the Present Day.” After the summer season was over, Steinle dismantled the clock, packed it up, and returned the pieces to Sandusky. In the 1970s the clock, which had been in storage in the former Steinle property on Tiffin Avenue, was re-discovered. Cedar Point acquired the Steinle clock. After repairing and restoring some of the clock’s parts, the Steinle clock was put on display at the Town Hall Museum at Cedar Point. An article about Mr. Steinle’s automatic clock was featured in the August 31, 1973 issue of the Toledo Blade.

Program Announcement: Mr. Lincoln's Camera Man: Mathew Brady

2011-09-11T08:21:00.000-04:00

Mathew Brady’s photographs of Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War have become icons of the early days of photography. Join us on Wednesday, September 14, at 12:00 p.m. to hear the story from Matthew Brady (portrayed by Mark Holbrook), the world renowned photographer and chronicler of the American Civil War and the presidency of Abraham Lincoln. This program is sponsored in part by the Ohio Historical Society. Registration is requested, but not required.

Dedication of Historical Marker at the Cholera Cemetery

2011-09-10T09:07:00.000-04:00

On September 10, 1966, the Ohio Historical Society’s marker at the Cholera Cemetery was dedicated. Charles E. Frohman composed the wording on the text of the marker. The arch, which had been designed by Artist Frank W. Smith, was donated by the grandchildren of John Lay, Sr. Serving as Master of Ceremonies at the marked dedication was Charles E. Frohman. Dr. C. F. Lavender, President of the Erie County Medical Society spoke, along with Daniel R. Porter, executive director of the Ohio Historical Society. Music was provided by the Sandusky High School Band. The invocation was given by Rev. Msgr. William Armitage, and Dr. Theodore Stellhorn, Jr. gave the benediction. Also participating in the day’s events were the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Camp Fire Girls.

Over 300 persons lost their lives in the Cholera Epidemic of 1849, which took place between July 1, 1849 and September 7, 1849. Cholera struck Sandusky again in 1852 and in 1854, but not as severely as the 1849 epidemic.

Two sources which include historical details about the cholera epidemics in Sandusky are chapter XIV of Hewson Peeke’s A Standard History of Erie County, Ohio, published in 1916, and chapter 9 of Sandusky Then and Now.

Another outstanding resource relating to the cholera epidemic of 1849 is Cholera Victims of 1849 in Sandusky, Erie County, Ohio, by Katharyn L. (Huss) Wunderley. Mrs. Wunderley, who was an avid genealogist, spent hundreds of hours researching the names of the individuals who perished from cholera in 1849. She consulted the above two books, along with History of Erie County, Ohio, edited by Lewis Cass Aldrich, local newspapers, church records, and cemetery records. Two other resources used in Mrs. Wunderley’s research were the Cholera Hospital Register and the Cholera of 1849 and the Opinions of Medical and Other Professional Gentlemen in Regard to Its Origin and Proper Treatment, both accessible at the Ohio Memory Online Scrapbook.

Program Announcement: Civil War Cemetery Walks

2011-09-07T08:46:00.000-04:00

First session is today!

Join Maggie Marconi, Museum Administrator, for the newest Cemetery Walk at Oakland Cemetery on Wednesday, September 7, at 10:00 a.m.; Thursday, September 8, at 10:00 a.m. or Saturday, September 10, at 10:00 a.m. In honor of the Civil War Sesquicentennial, we will examine the roles played by Sandusky residents in the Civil War, both on the home front and the war front.

As this is a walking tour, please wear appropriate shoes and outerwear and be prepared to stand or walk for at least an hour. Registration is requested. To register, call 419-625-3834 and press 0 to speak with a switchboard operator (10-5, Monday-Friday) or press Option 6 to leave a message.

Looking for an innovative new way to experience the Civil War Heroes Cemetery Walk? Print out our Smartphone walking tour brochure and give it a try!

A View of Castalia in 1930

2011-09-06T13:36:00.000-04:00

The picture above was taken by Mound Photographers about 1930. At this time the Blue Hole Restaurant was on Route 269 in the heart of Castalia, where Kuns Family Medicine is now located. A Fleet Wing service station was on the south side of the street. Note that the street is made of bricks. At the top of the Blue Hole Restaurant building is a sign indicating that the entrance to the Blue Hole is only 2000 feet away. A long time tourist attraction, the Blue Hole is now privately owned and closed to the general public. You can read more about the Blue Hole and Margaretta Township in Glenn Kuebeler’s book Castalia, Cold Creek, and the Blue Hole.

William Coles, Businessman, Public Servant

2011-09-03T13:21:00.000-04:00

William Coles immigrated to Sandusky, Ohio in 1848, from King’s Cliff, England. He was only two years old at the time he came to the United States. Mr. Coles was Sandusky’s first safety director. He served on several other municipal boards in Sandusky throughout his life. From 1898 to 1910, Mr. Coles operated a transfer and drayage business at the foot of Columbus Avenue. Pictured below are several employees and horses associated with the business.

A tribute to William Coles by members of the Masonic Lodge in Sandusky stated in part: “He has lived in Sandusky all his life and has been identified with its business interests in many ways. His priorities as a pioneer are challenged by none. Almost any morning, winter or summer, if you are out early enough, you will meet him coming up town from his home on Second Street with an elastic step and bright eye that are indicative of his youthful spirit.” William Coles took an active interest in Masonic work for 43 years, and he was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on May 20, 1889. On June 30, 1933, William Coles did suddenly at his home at 915 Second Street in Sandusky. Funeral services for Mr. Cole were held at the family residence under the auspices of Science Lodge No. 50. Burial was at Oakland Cemetery. A lengthy obituary for William Coles is found in the 1933 Obituary Notebook at the Sandusky Library.

Back to School -- Class Photos from Campbell School

2011-08-31T11:57:00.002-04:00

Thousands of school students have just returned to the classroom. Here are some vintage pictures of former elementary students who attended Campbell School in Sandusky, Ohio. The picture below was taken in the fall of 1888.

Forty five students from Grade 3-B at Campbell School in 1919 are pictured below.

The 100th Anniversary of the Incorporation of the City of Sandusky

2011-08-28T08:57:00.000-04:00

From August 24 through 29, 1924, Sandusky celebrated the one hundredth anniversary of the Incorporation of the City of Sandusky. An open air religious service kicked off the festivities. The service was held at the Courthouse Square, and everyone was invited, regardless of religious affiliation. A mass choir, accompanied by Ackley’s Band, sang sacred music. At midnight a cannon was fired in Washington Park. Local residents and visitors were asked to sign the registration book in a log cabin in Washington Park.

The Sandusky Register published lists of the names of out of town visitors to the celebration throughout the week. On Monday, August 25, the Sandusky High School athletic grounds hosted a historic pageant produced by Lew J. Griffith and George J. Lehrer. Noted theatrical manager Daniel Frohman attended the pageant, and stated that “The pageant was a remarkable, gorgeous and edifying achievement. I enjoyed every moment of my stay and the centennial of my home town will always be a cherished memory.”

On Wednesday, August 27, a large parade was held at 2:30 p.m. as a major feature of the Centennial. Civic, fraternal, patriotic, and businesses all participated. Public buildings were closed at 1 p.m., and most retail merchants closed early. Various segments of the parade met at several different formation points, and then traveled down Jackson Street and on to downtown Sandusky.

Here is a view of the parade traveling south on Columbus Avenue. Holzaepfel’s Sporting Goods and the Interurban Station can be seen on the west side of Columbus Avenue.

Many women’s organizations participated in the parade.

Several Sandusky policemen, city officials, Dan Frohman, Ackley’s Band, and a host of uniformed groups participated in the parade. There were over 170 vehicle entries.

On Friday afternoon a “Kiddies Karnival” was held for children between the ages of 2 and 12. Over 1,000 ice cream cones were distributed at the carnival, and prized awarded in a variety of categories, including decorated bicycles, costumes, and dolls. Out of town guests were invited on an automobile tour of the city with automobiles provided by the Erie County Automobile Club. The tour visited places of historical, civic, and industrial interest throughout the city of Sandusky.

To read more about the 100th Anniversary of the Incorporation of the City of Sandusky, see the historical sketch and official souvenir program, located with the genealogical books in the Reference Services area of the Sandusky Library.

Miles Walker, Civil War Veteran

2011-08-25T04:09:00.003-04:00

In Block 5 of Sandusky’s Oakland Cemetery is a monument in memory of Miles Walker and his wife, the former Nancy Williams. According to the 1870 U.S. Census for Erie County, Ohio, Miles Walker was born in Tennessee about 1830. His wife Nancy stated that she had been born in Alabama about 1832. Mr. and Mrs. Miles Walker were African Americans, and they were living on Hancock Street in Sandusky, Ohio in 1870. Miles Walker listed his occupation as laborer, and Nancy said that she was a housekeeper.

The Official Roster of the Soldiers of the State of Ohio in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1866, records Miles Walker’s enlistment date in Company E of the Third Ohio Volunteer Cavalry as October 14, 1863. His rank was recorded as “Cook.” Miles Walker mustered out with his company on August 4, 1865. After the Civil War, Miles Walker settled in Sandusky, Ohio. He married Nancy Williams on May 30, 1867. Miles Walker was included in the 1890 Veterans’ Schedules for Surviving Soldiers, Sailors and Widows who were residing in Erie County, Ohio in 1890. Notes taken by the census enumerator said that Miles Walker suffered from rheumatism.

On September 14, 1908, Miles Walker died in Sandusky, Ohio. He was buried at Oakland Cemetery next to his wife Nancy, who had passed away in 1896. Though Miles Walker was merely counted as a hash mark in the slave schedules of Tennessee in 1860, the name of Miles Walker was clearly inscribed on his tombstone, and has stood for more than one hundred years.

George R. Butler, Civil War Veteran and Manufacturer

2011-08-22T11:00:00.000-04:00

George R. Butler was born on April 3, 1848 to Samuel W. and Clarissa (Boalt) Butler in Sandusky, Ohio. During the Civil War, he served as a drummer in Company B of the 145th Ohio Volunteer Infantry.

After working for ten years with the passenger department of western railroads, George began working with his brother, Jay Caldwell Butler, in the lumber business. The company, located at the southwest corner of Water and Decatur Streets, manufactured sashes, doors, and blinds. George took over the business after the death of his brother in 1885. The George R. Butler factory can be seen in the picture of downtown Sandusky in the mid 1880’s.

On January 28, 1925, George R. Butler died at Good Samaritan Hospital after a lengthy illness. Rev. N.R.H. Moor officiated at funeral services, and he was buried at Sandusky's Oakland Cemetery. Mr. Butler was survived by his wife, the former Susan Barney, a son, and two daughters.

Jay Moss Home, 414 Wayne Street

2011-08-19T10:39:00.000-04:00

The building at 414 Wayne Street was originally built as the home of Mr. and Mrs. Jay O. Moss in 1872.

A portion of the lot was a gift to the couple from Jay’s father, banker A.H. Moss. The remainder of the property was purchased from Oran Follett, who lived nearby at the southeast corner of Wayne and Adams Streets. The Martha Pitkin Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution was organized at the Moss home in 1897. In 1899 Mrs. Jay O. (Frances) Moss, who was acquainted with Andrew Carnegie, helped to secure a generous donation from Mr. Carnegie towards the building of the Sandusky Library.

In 1917, the home was purchased by Herbert Farrell, Sr., president of the Farrell-Cheek Foundry. The Sandusky Business Women’s club became the owner of this property in 1926, with financial assistance from the Women’s Building and Restroom Association. Meetings and social gatherings were held here, and apartments in the building were rented, to help pay for the upkeep of the building. For a few years in the 1970’s, the Harlequins owned the property at 414 Wayne Street, but they soon sold the main home to Mr. and Mrs. George Gilbert, who converted the building for use as apartments. The Harlequins retained ownership of the former carriage house for use in the group’s theatrical productions. Since 1984 the former Moss home at 414 Wayne Street has housed offices for several Sandusky attorneys.

Program Announcement: Ethnic Sandusky

2011-08-17T14:00:00.000-04:00

Sandusky was built by people from many parts of the world - Germany, Italy, Ireland, and West Africa, just to name a few places. Continuing with our summer reading theme, “One World, Many Stories,” join us in the Library Program Room on Wednesday, August 24, at 12:00 p.m. as we discuss where our ancestors came from, why they came here, what they brought with them (material goods and traditions), and what they did when they got here. Archives Librarian Ron Davidson will use items from the Library’s historical collections - photographs, documents, and artifacts - to help tell the stories of our forebears. Registration is requested.

The Martins and Manhattans

2011-08-12T19:09:00.001-04:00

In Sandusky in the 1910’s, the Martins and Manhattans were two popular city baseball teams that often played each other at Sandusky’s Huron Park. Sandusky photographer N. J. Abele, who lived at 311 Huron Avenue, took the picture below. The Martins were sponsored by Martin’s Confectionery, a Sandusky business owned by Fred Martin that sold ice cream and other confections.

While not everyone in the photo postcard above have been identified, notes on the original item indicate that manager Pat Murray is in the dark suit in the back row, and the player who is the second from the right in the front row is Ed Oesterle. The first young man in the back row is Moses Thompson. A news article which appeared on the sports page of the October 7, 1912 issue of the Sandusky Register reported that Moses Thompson played “sensationally” against the Manhattans at Huron Park on October 6, 1912. He got a home run in the first inning, and later participated in a double play with a player by the name of Meyers. The final score of the game was the Martins with four runs, and the Manhattans with two runs.

The Manhattans team, sponsored by the Manhattan Clothing Emporium, is pictured below. The only person who has been identified is manager Ralph Roesch, in the dark suit in the center of the back row. Players who played for the Manhattans during the October 6, 1912 game with the Martins included: Fred Kubach, Charles “Pink” Bogert, and old Sandusky favorite ball players with last names Blancke and McConville.

On September 18, 1940 an article in the Sandusky Star Journal covered a baseball game to be held at the Ohio Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home between the baseball teams sponsored by the Clover Leaf Dairy and the Farrell Cheek Foundry. Carl Bloker managed the Clover Leaf Dairy ball club, while Moses Thompson managed the Farrell Cheek team. Carl Bloker and Moses Thompson had both played with the Martins in the 1910’s.

Moses Thompson was the brother of Sandusky-born physician, Dr. Clarence Thompson. Previous blog entries about baseball in Sandusky discussed Clarence Howard of the Sandusky Crescents, Olde Broderson, and Frank “Casey” Casserly, manager of the Shamrocks baseball team.

Sandusky’s Silsby Steamer

2011-08-09T07:01:00.002-04:00

The postcard below was created by Sandusky photographer E.H. Schlessman. Three gentlemen are standing next to an 1869 Silsby steam engine. Mr. Hegemer is the man in the center of the picture, and the other two men have not yet been identified.

James H. Wichman wrote in an article in the September 23, 1955 issue of the Sandusky Register Star News that by 1859 there were sixty volunteer firemen in Sandusky, Ohio. During the Civil War over half of the volunteer firemen enlisted to serve in the Union Army, so new fire fighters had to be recruited. In 1865 a steam engine was purchased from the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company of Manchester, New Hampshire at a cost of over $4,000. Silsby steam engines, made by the Silsby Manufacturing Co. of Seneca Falls, New York were purchased by the Sandusky Fire Department in 1868 and 1869. A history of the Sandusky Fire Department, housed in the local history collections of the Sandusky Library Archives Research Center, states that the purchase of these three steam engines along with a hood and ladder truck helped move the fire department towards a reorganization of the entire department. Inquire at the Reference Services Desk to view A Look Back at History, two booklets which provide an interesting history of the Sandusky Fire Department.

Annual Excursion of the Great Western Band

2011-08-06T11:04:00.007-04:00

Sandusky area residents were invited to the annual excursion of The Great Western Silver Cornet Band on Thursday, August 6, 1868. The Great Western Band was formed in 1867 and was led for many years by Charles Baetz.

The steamer Evening Star was chartered for the excursion, which left at 10 a.m. from Fitzhugh’s Dock. The Evening Star carried passengers on the Great Lakes from the 1860’s through the 1890’s.

Dr. William A. Ferry, Veterinarian

2011-08-03T11:51:00.001-04:00

Dr. William A. Ferry was a veterinarian in Sandusky for thirty five years. Born in Sandusky in 1869, he was the son of pioneer Sandusky merchant Austin Ferry. Dr. Ferry received his veterinary training at the Chicago Veterinary College and the Toronto Veterinary College. In 1915 Dr. Ferry had his veterinary office at 140 Wayne Street in Sandusky. By the 1920’s Dr. Ferry’s home, as well as his veterinary practice, were both in the 400 block of Jackson Street, now a part of the parking lot of the Sandusky Library.

For several years, Dr. Ferry worked in conjunction with Dr. H.C. Schoepfle to inspect dairy farms in Erie County to make sure they met proper health and sanitation standards. He inspected the stables, milk houses, and took samples of milk for testing. Dr. Ferry also inspected Sandusky area grocery stores, meat markets, ice cream plants, and soda fountains. He said in an article in the December 4, 1920 issue of the Sandusky Star Journal that health inspections in Sandusky businesses were found to have excellent sanitary standards “in nearly every instance.” After a lengthy illness, Dr. William A. Ferry died on June 3, 1944. His funeral was held at the Charles J. Andres Sons’ Funeral Home at 421 Jackson Street, which was directly across the street from Dr. Ferry’s home. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. C. L. Alspach, and burial was at Oakland Cemetery.

The Sandusky Telegram

2011-07-29T11:33:00.003-04:00

On July 29, 1872, J.C. Loveland began publishing a weekly newspaper called the Sandusky Telegram. Loveland’s office was at 195 Water Street, opposite Barney & Ferris. According to Roswell’s American Newspaper Directory, the Sandusky Telegram was Sandusky’s only Democratic newspaper in 1872. Circulation was 700, and the annual subscription rate was $2.00. In the October 19, 1872 issue of the Sandusky Telegram, Loveland strongly endorsed Horace Greeley as the presidential candidate. (President Grant was re-elected in 1872.) The front page of the October 19 Sandusky Telegram carried several articles that were critical of Rush Sloane, who had just lost the election as a candidate for U.S. Congress.

A brief Telegram article was critical of I. F. Mack’s coverage of recent candidates in the Sandusky Register. Loveland stated about the Register’s editor, “the editor has stepped beyond the limits of journalism.” Interestingly, in Charles E. Frohman’s book about I.F. Mack, entitled Sandusky's Editor, there is no mention of J.C. Loveland or the Sandusky Telegram.

To view the 1872 issue of the Sandusky Telegram, or read the book Sandusky's Editor, visit the Sandusky Library, and ask for assistance at the Reference Services desk.

Aerial View of Cleveland Road from 1955

2011-07-26T22:29:00.000-04:00

This aerial image was taken by photographer and pilot Tom Root in October of 1955. Several houses can be seen on Avondale Street, south of Cleveland Road. What is now the Sandusky Inn and Suites at 1530 Cleveland Road was the Siesta Motel in 1955. Right across the street from the Siesta Motel was Foster Chevrolet, Inc. Lake Erie Gifts & Décor is now located at the site of the former Foster Chevrolet location. Awnings can be seen on the front of the Pfefferkorn Awning Co., located at 1610 Cleveland Rd. (Several businesses are located at the site of the former Pfefferkorn Awning Co. today.) To the east of Pfefferkorn Awning was the Hickory Barbecue, at 1616 Cleveland Road, which no longer stands.

Thomas F. Root, a self taught photographer from Plymouth, Ohio, took aerial photographs in northwest Ohio for more than sixty years. After renting a plane for several years, Mr. Root purchased his own plane in 1968. Root would open the window of the airplane, bank the plane, and take the photographs out of the side of the plane. Tom Root retired in 2001, and in 2008, he transferred a portion of his collection to the Sandusky Library Archives Research Center.

Sandusky of To-Day Full Text

2011-07-23T15:49:00.003-04:00

Recently added to the Sandusky Library website: The full text of the 1888 publication, Sandusky of To-Day. The book provides an interesting snapshot of business and commerce in nineteenth-century Sandusky, and is an invaluable resource for historians and genealogists. We hope that this will be the first of several historical publications to go online. You'll find the link in the Follett House Museum area of the library's website, under Multimedia.

Giffe Babcock Follett, Mother of Oran Follett

2011-07-20T11:17:00.000-04:00

The graphic above is a daguerreotype of an image (possibly a painting) of Mrs. Giffe Babcock Follett, the mother of well known Sanduskians Oran and Foster M. Follett. Oran Follett was in the publishing business, and published the Lincoln-Douglas Debates with his partner Frank Foster. Foster M. Follett was the Erie County Auditor from 1850 to 1852, and 1856-1860. He also was an early Mayor of Sandusky, and worked tirelessly during the cholera epidemic. Mrs. Giffe Babcock Follett’s daguerreotype was a gift to the Sandusky Library Archives Research Center from descendants of Oran and Eliza Follett.

Major George P. Barker

2011-07-17T10:56:00.015-04:00

George Putnam Barker was the son of Jacob A. and Mary (Paterson) Barker, and grandson of former Mayor of Sandusky, Zenas W. Barker. He was born in Sandusky in May of 1852, and was associated with the United States Express Company in Sandusky for over forty years. From 1915 to 1929 Mr. Barker was storekeeper at the Ohio Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home.

During the Spanish American War, George P. Barker rose to the rank of Major. He began with Company B of the Sixteenth Infantry, and mustered out with the Sixth Infantry. For four months Major Barker held the position of military governor of the district of Santa Clara in Cuba.

On January 24, 1930 George P. Barker died as a result of heart disease. His wife, the former Alice Lyman, had predeceased him in 1925. Funeral services for Major Barker were held on January 27 at Grace Episcopal Church, and burial was at Oakland Cemetery. A military salute was fired at the grave, and taps were played. The honorary pallbearers for Major Barker were Gen. Perry Null, Dr. J.T. Haynes, Edward McCune, A.V. Brown, Roy T. Rogers, and Alva S. Humiston. Active pallbearers were members of the Spanish American War Veterans, including John Bamberl, George Schiller, A.C. Schultz, John Wunder, Thomas Schwank, and Ralph Stockdale. Obituaries for George P. Barker are found in the 1930 Obituary Notebook at Sandusky Library.

Program Announcement: Brown Bag Lunch Series: Sandusky Bookshelf - Sandusky of To-Day

2011-07-14T09:53:00.000-04:00

The next Brown Bag Lunch will be held on Wednesday, July 20, from 12:00-1:00 p.m. in the Library Program Room. The topic will be: Sandusky Bookshelf: Sandusky of Today. Join us as we inaugurate our Sandusky Bookshelf Series. In this occasional series, we will share with you books written about Sandusky, primarily during the Nineteenth Century, to promote the growing city. Sandusky of Today was written in 1888 and touts all that the city had to offer in industry, natural resources, transportation, and more. This slender volume preserves a slice of Sandusky in the final quarter of the Nineteenth Century. This program will be presented by Maggie Marconi, Museum Administrator. Registration is requested.

Sandusky Library’s Reading for Fun Club

2011-07-12T12:31:00.014-04:00

In the 1940’s and 1950’s, the Sandusky Library sponsored the Reading for Fun Club. Elementary school age children read and reported on ten books during the summer months. The Junior Reading for Fun Club was for first and second graders. Below are some bookmarks and bookplates from past summer reading programs. Martha Luscombe created this bookmark using the linocut print technique.

The Fourth Year Reading for Fun Award bookplate was also a linocut made by Marsha Luscombe.

The Reading for Fun bookmark below features the Sandusky Library’s original Carnegie building. It was created by Helen Zube.

Visit the website of the Sandusky Library to read about current Sandusky Library summer programs, with the theme One World, Many Stories.

Election Handbill in German

2011-07-09T13:50:00.015-04:00

The handbill above was donated to the Sandusky Library Archives Research Center by Dr. Norbert Lange, who also provided the English translation:

German Fellow Citizens!

Do not neglect to vote for the

school candidates on the Volks-Ticket:

For members of the Board of Education:

Jacob A. Barker

Cornelius Schnaitter

The election will be held in the court house on

Tuesday the 9. of July 1872.

Polls open until 5 o’clock in the evening.

In 1872 there were many German social groups which met in Sandusky, and it is most likely that when they met, this handbill was distributed just prior to the July 1872 election. According to the 1893 Annual Report of the Board of Education of City of Sandusky, Cornelius Schnaitter served on the Board of Education for the Sandusky City Schools from 1872 through 1876, while Jacob A. Barker was on the Board of Education from 1872 through 1878.

Program Announcement: Sanduskians Around the World: Stories of Travel by Early Erie County Residents

2011-07-07T08:55:00.000-04:00

Join us in the library program room on Wednesday, July 13 at noon, as Archives Librarian Ron Davidson shares travel stories gleaned from the historical collections of the library. Using travel scrapbooks from the nineteenth- and twentieth centuries, historical photographs, letters, notebooks, and other artifacts, we will observe the recollections of early travelers who called Sandusky their home. Share their experiences of hardships and pleasures, and maybe see some souvenirs, too.

Lake Shore Tire Company July 4th Parade Float

2011-07-04T14:04:00.001-04:00

The float pictured above was sponsored by the Lake Shore Tire Company for a parade in Sandusky on July 4, 1918. Men are dressed in World War I military uniforms, some bearing weapons. A simulated cannon on the float appears to be made of tires carried by the Lake Shore Tire Company. Lake Shore Tire Company was in operation in Sandusky from about 1915 to 1931, and was run by Fred Brobst and J. Leroy Weier.

The Lake Shore Tire Company sponsored the float below in the 1919 Fourth of July parade in Sandusky.

Names of deceased local servicemen from World War I are listed on a tablet in the back of the truck.

Floral urns, similar to those still found in Washington Park are found in the four corners of the truck bed. An article in the July 5, 1919 issue of the Sandusky Star Journal, reported that the Lake Shore Tire Company’s float was one of the most beautiful floats in the parade.

As the parade passed at West Monroe and Jackson Streets, the band played “Onward Christian Soldiers.” Area men who had served in the war marched directly behind the band. Over 150 soldiers and sailors, along with two Marines, participated in the parade. Following the parade, Ohio Congressman Randolph Walton, gave a speech in front of the Erie County Courthouse. He said, in part, “The boys of Erie County are deserving of all the honors that can be given them. The outstanding characteristics of the American fighter were cheerfulness and unselfishness.”

The Historical Pageant of Sandusky and Erie County

2011-06-29T13:55:00.027-04:00

On June 28 and 29, 1933, the Camp Fire Girls presented “The Historical Pageant of Sandusky and Erie County” at Esmond Field near the corner of Columbus and Perkins Avenues. The pageant was a John B. Rogers Production, and was directed by Hazel Anderson. Music was provided by Ackley’s Band, with Bruce Clarks at the piano. The general chairman of the event was Earl Krueger. The cast was made up of hundreds of area adults and children.

The pageant began with Janet Munce, queen of the pageant, appearing with “Miss Columbia” and several attendants who represented the Camp Fire Laws: Beauty Trust, Work, Knowledge, Health, Service, Happiness and the Spirit of Camp Fire. Beginning with the dawn of civilization, the pageant proceeded to re-enactments of several key events in the history of Sandusky and Erie County. Included were: early Native American camp life, settlers of Sandusky, circuit riders, the cholera epidemic of 1849, early education in Sandusky, the Underground Railway, the Civil War, and a wedding celebration and ball. At the end of the pageant was a mammoth spectacle which symbolized the Spirit of Camp Fire, in which the cast members were dressed in the costumes of several different nationalities.

An article in the June 29, 1933 issue of the Sandusky Register reported that the early history of the area was well portrayed in the Camp Fire Girls pageant. A wagon which had actually been used to transport the dead bodies during the 1849 cholera epidemic was used in the scene which portrayed that event. The wagon was owned by Lee B. Keller, who played the role of Father Time. The article pointed out that many items of clothing used in the pageant were heirloom garments from ancestors of current area residents. A cow was seen in the wagon train scene, and dog who sat by his master in the wagon scene, added to the authenticity of the pageant. The pageant committee thanked these individuals who provided historical background information for the production: Mrs. Marjorie Loomis Cherry, Mrs. George Doerzbach, Miss Jessie Wilcox, Hewson L. Peeke, and James Ryan. The book History of Erie County, Ohio, edited by Lewis Cass Aldrich, was also consulted when the committee was researching the history of Sandusky and Erie County.

Visit the Sandusky Library Archives Research Center to view the program from the Historical Pageant of Sandusky and Erie County put on by the Camp Fire Girls in 1933. If anyone has photographs from this event, please contact us so that we may possibly scan the items to include in our historical collections.

Letter from William Howard Taft to E. H. Marsh

2011-06-25T14:00:00.008-04:00

On June 25, 1908, William Howard Taft, who was then serving as the U.S. Secretary of War, sent a letter to Edward H. Marsh of Sandusky, Ohio. (The typist incorrectly spelled Mr. Marsh’s surname as Marsha.) Mr. Taft was responding to the telegram that Edward H. Marsh had sent him on June 18, 1908, congratulating Taft for having been selected as the Republican candidate for President. President Theodore Roosevelt heartily endorsed William Howard Taft as the presidential candidate, though they would part ways in the years ahead. Taft easily defeated his opponent William Jennings Bryan in the 1908 Presidential election.

Helen Hansen wrote in At Home in Early Sandusky that William Howard Taft and Edward H. Marsh had been classmates in Cincinnati. During the 1908 campaign, Mr. Taft visited Sandusky to give a speech at the Ohio Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home. While in Sandusky, Taft visited the Marsh residence at 334 East Washington Street. Mr. Marsh made a special trip to Cleveland to purchase a bed that would be large enough for his friend Mr. Taft, who is well known as having been the President with the heaviest weight.

Sandusky Area Sesquicentennial

2011-06-23T10:04:00.034-04:00

The celebration of the Sandusky Area Sesquicentennial took place from June 15 to June 23, 1968. It was an observance of the 150th anniversary of the founding of the city of Sandusky in 1818. The official seal for the Sandusky Area Sesquicentennial, created by Frank Smith, Art Supervisor of Sandusky City Schools, featured an image of the Walk-in-the-Water, the first steamboat on Lake Erie. The festivities were kicked off on Saturday, June 15 at Washington Park. The Queen’s Coronation Ball was held at Cedar Point, and a square dance for the general public took place at the Sandusky Plaza during the evening hours. Mrs. Francine Sengstock was selected as Sandusky Area Sesquicentennial Queen.

Each day of the Sandusky Area Sesquicentennial featured a theme. The themes were: Dedication Day, Religious Heritage Day, Commerce & Industry Day, Agricultural Day, Ladies Day, Youth Day, Military Armed Forces Day, and Pioneer & Senior Citizens Day. On Vacationland Day, which was Thursday, June 20, special reduced admission prices were offered for Cedar Point, the Blue Hole, and Lagoon Deer Park. During the evenings of June 18-22, a production entitled Where Have We Been – Where Are We Going was held at Strobel Field. The A. Rogers Production was written, produced, and staged by B. Louis Gregory. Bill E. Cline was the managing director, with Donna Cline serving as associate director.

The Sesquicentennial Parade took place on Saturday, June 22, going from Strobel Field to downtown Sandusky, and on to Battery Park. George S. Schiller, who served as Grand Marshall is pictured below with Connie Hartlaub.

Many floats, bands, horses, and decorated vehicles participated in the parade.

In the weeks leading up to the Sandusky Area Sesquicentennial, several men gave up shaving and grew beards. The men called themselves the Brothers of the Brush and they had a ceremonial burial of Ray Zor. (Get it?)

Visit the Sandusky Library to read about the Sandusky Area Sesquicentennial in Portraits from the Past, a souvenir booklet that sold for $1.75 in 1968. The Sandusky Library Archives Research Center also owns a bound copy of the special Sesquicentennial edition of the Sandusky Register from June of 1968. Ask at the Reference Services desk if you would like to view these items.

Sandusky Post Office

2011-06-20T08:57:00.001-04:00

From 1857 until 1927, the Sandusky Post Office was at the southwest corner of Columbus Avenue and West Market Street. An annex building was just west of the Post Office on Market Street. Here are some of the earliest mail carriers in Sandusky, from about 1896:

Front row: Mose Doyle and John Gilbert. Middle row: James McCann, Adam Rice, Gust Heiberger. Back row: Henry Schimminger, John Schaub, Charles Schoepfle, and William Twigs.

Former Librarian Miss Mary McCann donated this picture of mailmen posed inside the Post Office Annex building in about 1912.

The men in the photo are: Harry Schimminger, Jim McCann, Tim Ryan, John Schaub, Harry Gosser, Charles Schippel, Charles Schoepfle, Ed Ernst, Dan Schwab, Roman Ott, Jimmy Davis, Bill Twiggs, and Louis Holzhauer.

A new Post Office opened at the intersection of Jackson Street, West Washington Street, and Central Avenue in 1927. This facility was in operation until 1987, when a new Post Office building opened on Caldwell Street. The Merry Go Round Museum is now located at the site of the former Post Office.

You can read more about postal service in Sandusky in Article 68 of From the Widow's Walk, by Helen Hansen and Virginia Steinemann.

Eighth Annual Meeting of Ohio Association of Local Fire Insurance Agents

2011-06-17T16:10:00.003-04:00

On June 16, 1904, the eighth annual convention of the Ohio Association of Local Fire Insurance Agents was held in Sandusky, Ohio. The morning session met in the Carnegie Music Hall of the Sandusky Library.

Mayor John J. Molter greeted the group on behalf of the city. He said in part, “Yours is the first convention to be welcomed here this season and we therefore give you a double welcome. We recognize that you gentlemen represent a business of great importance. You are ministering agents in time of misfortune. We greet you with as hearty a greeting as we can extend. We hope you may come again, and if you do, we assure you another hearty welcome.” Resolutions and the secretary’s report were read, and the election of officers was held. Mr. Fred Guenther of Detroit gave a talk entitled, “A Talk on the Local Agents.”

Several of the insurance agents brought their wives and children with them to the meeting. During the afternoon session, visiting family members were given a trolley ride from the West House to the Ohio Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home. In the evening, the insurance agents and their families were treated to a ride on the steamer Wehrle to Cedar Point. Ackley’s Band entertained those on board the Wehrle. An article in the June 17, 1904 issue of the Sandusky Register reported that, “The convention was one of the most successful ever held by the association and it would not be surprising if the executive committee again selected Sandusky as the next meeting place.”

Sandusky High School Class of 1911

2011-06-15T09:49:00.002-04:00

The Sandusky High School graduating class of 1911 is pictured above on the steps of the Sandusky Library (Adams Street entrance.) Graduation was held on Thursday, June 15, 1911 at the Sandusky Theatre. At the commencement exercises, eight class members acted out a portion of scenes one and three of the fifth act of Shakespeare’s play Winter’s Tale. A major portion of the evening was the presentation of twelve essays, all dealing with the national conservation movement. Sandusky High School graduating senior Charles A. Merz spoke on the Conservation of American youth. He spoke of athletics, social settlement work, and organizations like the Newsboys and the Boy Scouts of America. He said, “Save a man and you save one person; save a boy and you save a whole multiplication table.” Charles A. Merz went on to become the editor of the New York Times from 1938 until 1961. In his editorials he took strong opposition to Adolph Hitler and to Senator Joseph McCarthy. Mr. Merz’s first book CENTERVILLE, U.S.A. was based primarily on his experiences growing up in Sandusky, Ohio.

A review of the Sandusky High School class of 1911 is found in the Senior Issue of the Fram, from June of 1911.

Lorenzo Dow Anthony

2011-06-12T13:28:00.003-04:00

Lorenzo Dow Anthony was born on April 10, 1827 at Watertown, New York to Nathan and Esther Finch Anthony. The family moved to Sandusky, Ohio in 1837. As a young man, Mr. Anthony was in the fish business and later he was in the wholesale grocery business.

During his many years spent in Sandusky, he saw many significant events take place. Hewson Peeke wrote in his book, A Standard History of Erie County, Ohio, about the time that Lorenzo Dow Anthony met Charles Dickens when the author visited Sandusky in 1842. In other memorable experiences, Mr. Anthony was only 22 years old when cholera swept through the city, killing hundreds of Sandusky residents, and he was a member of an early local militia group, the Bay City Guards, which was commanded by Dr. R.R. McMeens. Karl Kurtz wrote in an article in the July 9, 1977 Sandusky Register that during the 1924 tornado, the Anthony home, at the northwest corner of Perry and Meigs Streets, was severely damaged. The tornado ripped a photograph of the sailing ship “The Dawn” off the wall, and dropped it in Lorain. Since the back of the picture had the name and address of the Anthony family written on it, residents of Lorain returned the picture to Mr. Anthony.

Lorenzo Dow Anthony was the first commodore of the Sandusky Yacht Club, from 1894 to 1899. He died on December 9, 1922 at the age of 95. Commodore Anthony was survived by his wife, the former Martha McDowell, who he married in 1852, and five daughters. Burial was at Oakland Cemetery. Pallbearers for Mr. Anthony were H.L. Peeke, John F. Hertlein, W. A. Wehrle and A. H. Klotz.

Program Announcement: Brown Bag Lunch Series: Inventive Sandusky

2011-06-09T11:06:00.002-04:00

Join us in the Library Program Room at noon on Wednesday June 15, as we discover Inventive Sandusky. Learn all about Sanduskians who patented their inventions. From bicycle seats to scissors, from crayon boxes to sash fasteners, you’ll be astonished by the ingenuity and creativity of area residents. This program will be presented by Maggie Marconi, Museum Administrator. Registration is requested. To register, call 419-625-3834 and press 0 to speak with a switchboard operator (10-5, Monday-Friday) or press Option 6 to leave a message.

Kafralu Island

2011-06-08T09:19:00.003-04:00

Now a part of the Cedar Point Causeway, a manmade island known as Kafralu Island was once a busy vacation spot in the east end of Sandusky Bay. Kafralu Island was featured in Karl Kurtz’s “Elderlies” column in the November 26, 1977 issue of the Sandusky Register, as well as in article 34 of From the Widow's Walk, by Helen Hansen and Virginia Steinemann. The books Sandusky's Third Dimension, by Charles E. Frohman, and Memories of the Lakes, by Dana Thomas Bowen, both contain historical sketches about Kafralu Island. (All of the materials mentioned can be viewed at the Sandusky Library. Ask for assistance at the Reference Services desk.)

Louis E. Wagner, a Sandusky harness maker, ran into a sand bar while he was boating in Sandusky Bay. Beginning in 1911, Louis and his sons and friends began hauling logs and fill to build up the area around the sand bar. The Wagner family used small boats to accomplish the creation of the island, which took twenty five years to complete. Louis Wagner named the island Kafralu Island, using the letters “Ka” and “Fra” and “Lu” from the names or nicknames of his wife and two sons, named Katherine, Frank and Louis.

Mr. Wagner built a cottage that the family used for themselves, and eventually several other cottages were also built. Vacationers, hunters, and fishermen rented the cottages during the warm weather months. A gentleman known as Preasy Spoon can be seen in front of a cottage at Kafralu Island. A wooden box with the brand of Crystal Rock Beer can be seen on the porch of the cottage.

An article in the July 12, 1929 issue of the Sandusky Star Journal ran an ad for a Fishing Party and Picnic Boat, also named Kafralu. Mr. Wagner must have been very enterprising to rent not only the cottages, but also a fishing boat for use during one’s stay at Kafralu Island.

In 1938 a monkey got loose from a Cedar Point concessionaire, and escaped to Kafralu Island. Louis Wagner fed it bananas, grapes, and sugar plums, placing the fruit on top of the roof of a cottage so the monkey could then eat the treats. The monkey was finally caught, and was sent to Florida.

In 1941 Louis E. Wagner passed away. It was difficult to rent the cottages during the war years, due to the rationing of gas for boats and cars. A fire destroyed several cottages in 1946, and eventually the property was sold to Cedar Point. In the aerial view below, the piece of property formerly known as Kafralu Island can be seen toward the top of the picture, in a small piece of land just west of the Cedar Point Causeway bridge.

Betsy Ross Bread and the H & S Modern Baking Co.

2011-06-05T09:10:00.000-04:00

A truck with loudspeakers can be seen above promoting Betsy Ross jumbo bread about 1936. Betsy Ross Bread was a favorite product of Sandusky’s H and S Modern Bakery. Newspaper ads stated that Betsy Ross Bread was made with creamery butter and rich cream milk. In 1926 Miss May Neville chose Betsy Ross Bread for the recipes she used in the Sandusky Star Journal cooking school. The advertisement below, which appeared in the March 29, 1929 issue of the Sandusky Star Journal, suggests that mothers of Sandusky preferred Betsy Ross Bread because of its wholesome ingredients.

Betsy Ross bread could be purchased at local grocers or from retail wagons that made deliveries in Sandusky. In 1951 a loaf of Betsy Ross bread sold for 18 cents.

The H and S Modern Baking Company was founded in Sandusky about 1918 by Amandus Smith, Sr. and Edward Hartzel, and continued in operation until the early 1950’s. Eventually the H and S Modern Baking Company had facilities at 625 Hancock Street, 221 E. Monroe Street, and 244 Columbus Avenue. The company also had facilities at other locations through the years.

Vintage Views of Cedar Point

2011-06-02T11:00:00.002-04:00

Since 1870 local residents and tourists have been enjoying Cedar Point with its beach, attractions, and accommodations. Cedar Point is the second oldest amusement park in North America, especially known for its roller coasters. Enjoy these historic images of Cedar Point from days gone by. Visitors to the Cedar Point Beach in the picture below were dressed quite modestly. The Sea Swing can be seen on the left.

Visitors often brought their own lunch, for a picnic in shaded areas of the park.

Canoeing through the Cedar Point Lagoons was once a popular pastime.

Noah’s Ark and the Flying Skooter were popular attractions from about 1924 to 1954.

The Yankee Bullet was another popular ride.

A peaceful drive home down the Cedar Point Chaussee was a perfect way to end the day at Cedar Point.

The Sandusky Library has several titles which cover the history of Cedar Point, including Cedar Point: The Queen of American Watering Places, by David W. Francis and Diane DeMali Francis, Fun at the Old Cedar Point, by Glenn D. Everett, and Cedar Point Yesterdays, by Charles E. Frohman.

Decoration Day, May 30, 1870

2011-05-30T10:46:00.001-04:00

Decoration Day was established by the Grand Army of the Republic on May 5, 1868, as a day set aside for decorating the graves of the war dead. For many years May 30 was the day on which Decoration Day was observed, later becoming known as Memorial Day, and celebrated on the last Monday in May. The May 31, 1870 issue of the Sandusky Register reported that May 30, 1870 was the first celebration of a national Memorial Day in Sandusky. At 2 p.m. the procession began, including the Great Western Band, the widows of soldiers riding in carriages, speakers of the day, and elected officials and committee members. Dozens of wagons, carriages, and citizens on foot also participated in the procession. Forming at Wayne Street, the procession went past Sandusky High School (now Adams Junior High) and traveled south on Columbus Avenue to Oakland Cemetery. Several Civil War veterans who had been injured in the war marched the entire distance.

On the platform with the speakers of the day were the Honorable Walter F. Stone, Mayor Philander Gregg, Ferdinand Geiersdorf, Dr. A. H. Agard, C.J. Parsons and the Honorable Oran Follett. Chaplain L. Allinger and Rev. George B. Sturgess said prayers. Speakers for the day included F. W. Cogswell, J.M. Root, Rev. Babcock, Rev. W.W. Farr, General John G. Mitchell and Judge A.W. Hendry. The Glee Club sang hymns and “America,” accompanied by the Great Western Band. The closing benediction was given by Rev. H. N. Burton. While the addresses were being given, several ladies marked the graves of over eighty soldiers with small flags. The Sandusky Register articled concluded by stating that the Decoration Day “was in all its features a worthy demonstration, impressive, and patriotic.”

Oran Follett was one of the men on the platform along with the Decoration Day speakers in 1870. You can tour his former home in Sandusky, now the Follett House Museum, and see a variety of photographs and artifacts from Sandusky and Erie County.

Frank "Casey" Casserly

2011-05-28T10:15:00.000-04:00

On December 29, 1890, Frank J. Casserly was born in Sandusky, Ohio, to Michael and Julia Casserly, who were both natives of Ireland. Frank Casserly was the manager of the Shamrocks baseball team in Sandusky in the 1910’s. The picture above is a portion of the 1914 championship team photo. Below is a postcard of the Shamrocks team, though Baldy Platt appears to be wearing a jersey from the Sandusky Tool Company team.

Front row: Walter Wendt, Whitey Metzgar, Manager Frank “Casey” Casserly, George Kimball and Elmer Brengardner

Back row: Butch Eckler, George Dahm, Walter Appel, Norm Troike, team secretary-treasurer, Alde Broderson, Gordon Osgood, Baldy Platt, and Roy Kerber

An article in the August 26, 1911 issue of the Sandusky Star Journal referred to Manager Casserly as “the Connie Mack of Sandusky.” In the 1930’s he managed the Eagles baseball team, and he coached area football teams as well. In the Spring of 1935, Frank Casserly was struck by an automobile, and was hospitalized for several weeks. The Eagles sponsored a benefit to help with his medical expenses. In the 1940’s and early 1950’s, he was a popular bartender at Stone’s Grill and Jax Bar on Columbus Avenue.

On November 20, 1954, Frank J. “Casey” Casserly died after a lengthy illness. At the time of his death he was secretary-treasurer of the Bartenders Local No. 804. He was past president of the Eagles Lodge. Mr. Casserly was survived by his wife Minnie, and two daughters, Nancy and Julia. Charles J. Andres Sons’ was in charge of funeral arrangements, and burial was at St. Joseph Cemetery.

Banquet Honoring Spanish-American War Soldiers

2011-05-26T14:29:00.009-04:00

On Monday, May 29, 1899, a banquet was held at the West House on the return of the soldiers from Company B of the Sixth Ohio Regiment, who had served in the Spanish-American War. According to records in the historical files of the Sandusky Library Archives Research Center, Company B of the Sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry was organized in April 1898. The regiment arrived in Cuba in January 1899, and was in Cuba until April 22, 1899. The unit was mustered out of service on May 24, 1899, at Camp McKenzie, Georgia, and returned to Sandusky on May 26, 1899.

There were 275 guests at the banquet, held in the ball room on the fourth floor, which was decorated with palms, flowers, and candelabras. Toastmaster for the evening’s events was Judge E. B. King. He said, in part, “I can say that the soldiers of the Sixth Ohio have fully performed the service which they called upon to perform…It can be truthfully said that there have been no better soldiers in the volunteer service than the Sixth Ohio.” Captain Charles E. Stroud, pictured below, said about Company B, “Over a year ago you placed in my charge over a hundred of your brave sons, who had answered to their country’s call. Today I count it the highest honor and privilege of my life to have brought them all safely home.”

Owner and editor of the Sandusky Register, I.F. Mack gave a tribute to the veterans of the Civil War. He said, “The same spirit which had animated and inspired the boys of the Civil War had inspired the boys of the Civil War had inspired the boys of ’98, and perhaps would inspire those of another war thirty years hence.” Several other military men, public officials, and local pastors spoke at the banquet. A double quartet, consisting of four men and four women sang the “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and the “Star Spangled Banner.”

A huge parade in downtown Sandusky welcomed Company B home on May 26, 1899.

Visit the Sandusky Library Archives Research Center to learn more about the many men and women who have served in the military service to their country.

Daniel Frohman, Theatrical Producer

2011-05-25T09:58:00.001-04:00

Daniel Frohman was the oldest of three Frohman brothers born in Sandusky, who all moved to New York City and became well known as theatrical producers and managers.

Born on August 22, 1851, Daniel was the son of Henry and Barbara (Strauss) Frohman. When Daniel Frohman first moved to New York as a teenager, he worked as an office boy at the New York Tribune. In 1874 he began working as an advance agent for Callender's Georgia Minstrels. He later became associated with the Madison Square Theatre and the Fifth Avenue Theatre Company. From 1887 to 1909, Daniel Frohman was the producer-manager of the Lyceum Theatre and its stock company. He launched the careers of many actors and including Henry Miller, E.H. Sothern, Maude Adams, and Richard Mansfield. Later he became involved in the motion picture business with Adolph Zukor. He was connected with the production of more than seventy films between 1913 and 1917. From 1903 to 1940, he was president of the of the Actors’ Fund of America.

In November of 1939, Daniel Frohman fell and fractured his hip. He went to the Leroy Sanitarium for treatment. At the age of 89, he passed away on December 26, 1940. The Washington Post carried an article about him on December 27, 1940. The Post reported that shortly before he died Frohman said, “The curtain’s coming down.” Dr. J. Q. Pressner, who had attended Mr. Frohman, said that his last days were spent reminiscing about his old theater friends. Funeral services for Daniel Frohman were held at the Little Church Around the Corner, and burial was at Union Field Cemetery. The Actors’ Fund of America prepared a resolution expressing their grief on December 27, 1940.

It was signed by the officers and trustees of the Actors’ Fund of America, including George M. Cohan.

The Sandusky Library Archives Research Center owns two books written by Daniel Frohman, one entitled Daniel Frohman Presents, and the other entitled Encore. The books chronicle Frohman’s many years in the theatrical world. Of particular interest is “Daniel Frohman’s Album,” which appears at the end of Daniel Frohman Presents. The album features many pictures of early twentieth century actors and actresses.

Mothers of Erie County, by Marjorie Cherry

2011-05-22T11:53:00.000-04:00

Marjorie Loomis Cherry wrote Mothers of Erie County in 1932. She subtitled her book A Pageant of Historic Personages. Mrs. Cherry provides brief biographical information about thirty women from Erie County. In the sketch about Minerva Bell, a recounting of Minerva out-screaming a wild panther is told. Mrs. Katherine Banks Darling’s role in the Underground Railroad is told in Article 25.

The text is anecdotal in nature. The article about Lorania Mitchell discusses the life of a pioneer woman, including chopping wood, building a fire, and the use of herbal medicine. Mrs. Cherry points out that while Frances Ann Griswold Lane, wife of Judge Ebenezer Lane, was the daughter of Governor Griswold of Connecticut, she still knew how to milk a cow, and care for a baby at the same time. The story gives an account of the Lane family moving to Norwalk from Elyria on horseback. Judge Lane put a pillow in front of the saddle, and after Frances placed her infant on the pillow, she got on the horse as well. They rode through the woods to their new home, all riding on horseback.

Marjorie Loomis was born in 1889 in Steuben, Ohio. She was married to Ross Cherry. Mrs. Cherry lived in either Norwalk or Sandusky for most of her life. She was the author of several books dealing with local history and genealogy. Marjorie was considered an authority on flags and early American costume. She was responsible for planning numerous historical pageants given in Ohio. In 1951, the Toledo Blade reported that Mrs. Ross Cherry was the head of a state conference of the United States Daughters of 1812. Members from all over Ohio met at the Hotel Rieger in Sandusky on April 30 and 31, 1951.

Mrs. Marjorie Loomis Cherry died on January 22, 1978. Her obituary appeared in the January 23, 1978 issue of the Sandusky Register. Marjorie had been a member of the Peru Farm Women’s Club, the Opportunity Club, the Firelands Historical Society, Sandusky County Historical Society, the Western Reserve Historical Society, and the Ohio State Historical Society. She had also been past president of the Joshua Giddings Chapter Daughters of 1812, and was past regent of the Martha Pitkin Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Visit the Archives Research Center of the Sandusky Library to read several historical books written by Marjorie Loomis Cherry.

The Prisoner's Farewell, by Irl Hicks

2011-05-19T14:31:00.005-04:00

With several other military artifacts at the Follett House Museum is found the book entitled The Prisoner's Farewell to Johnson's Island; or Valedictory Address to the Young Men's Christian Association of Johnson's Island Ohio. The work is a lengthy poem penned by Irl Hicks. The full text of this book is accessible through Google Books.

According to an article in the Confederate Veteran magazine, Irl Roger Hicks was born on December 18, 1844 in Bristol, Tennessee. In December of 1861, at age 17, Irl enlisted in First Cavalry Regiment of the Confederate Army during the Civil War. Irl Hicks was engaged in several battles during the war, including Perryville and Chickamauga. At Chickamauga Irl R. Hicks was taken prisoner and sent to the prison camp at Johnson’s Island. While there, he was made distributor of the mail. As the prisoners were ready to be released to go home, on May 19, 1865, the last meeting of the Y.M.C.A. was held at the prison. Irl Hicks was selected to give the address, which was in the form of a poem, and was well received.

After returning home, Irl R. Hicks entered college at Andrews College in Trenton, Tennessee. He took courses in literature, meteorology, philosophy, and theology. Irl R. Hicks was ordained into the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1871. Soon he was assigned to a church in St. Louis, Missouri. Later he joined with the Congregational Church. In 1887 Rev. Hicks turned his time and talents to publishing. He became president of the Word and Works Publishing Co. One of Rev. Hicks’ favorite publications was his Almanac, in which he made monthly forecasts of the weather.

In 1900, the Rev. Irl R. Hicks Almanac sold for twenty five cents an issue, or seventy five cents per year. A newspaper article accessed via Chronicling America reported about Rev. Hicks, “Few men have labored more faithfully for the public good or found a warmer place in the hearts of the people.”

Rev. Irl R. Hicks died from pneumonia on October 13, 1916 in Wellston, Missouri. He was 71 years of age at the time of his death, and it is said that he had amassed a fortune through the publication of his almanac.

A Regular Girl Plays in Sandusky

2011-05-18T14:36:00.001-04:00

On May 17 and 18, 1920, the film A Regular Girl, starring Elsie Janis, played at the Schade Theatre, on West Market Street in Sandusky. The American Legion promoted the movie with a large banner. (The building being constructed, seen at the left in the photo below, is the Sandusky Star Journal building, now home to the Sandusky Register.)

Elsie Janis, born Elsie Jane Bierbower in 1889, was an actress of stage and screen. During World War One, she entertained troops in France and England. In 1919, Elsie starred in A Regular Girl, a film for which she wrote the screenplay and co-wrote the title song. The movie was loosely based on her experiences entertaining the troops during the War.

In conjunction with A Regular Girl appearing in Sandusky, a marching band and a woman dressed up as the title character appeared in front of the Schade Theatre. Members of the American Legion also conducted a membership drive.

Elsie Janis appeared on Broadway in 1939, and her final film was “Women in War” in 1940. She moved to California, and led a relatively quiet life. She died in California on February 27, 1956. To read about the life and career of Elise Janis, see the Elsie Janis Exhibition hosted at Ohio State University’s Libraries.

International Museum Day, Saturday May 21

2011-05-16T10:42:00.001-04:00

Erie County museums will join together on Saturday, May 21, to celebrate International Museum Day in Sandusky and Milan. The Eleutheros Cooke House and Garden, the Follett House Museum, the Maritime Museum of Sandusky, the Sandusky Greenhouse, the Merry-Go-Round Museum, the Ohio Veterans Home Museum, the Edison Birthplace, and the Milan Historical Museum will all be open free to the public, and each will offer family activities. The Sandusky Underground Railroad Education Center and the Erie County Historical Society will also offer free activities.

The USO in Sandusky

2011-05-16T09:33:00.000-04:00

In September, 1942, a U.S.O. Service Center was opened in the rear portion of the Lake Shore Coach station at 129 Columbus Avenue. Having started in 1941, the primary mission of the United Service Organization was giving social support to America’s troops. In contrast to the regimented life of military life, the U.S.O. strived to create a warm homelike atmosphere.

An article which appeared in the May 15, 1943 issue of the Sandusky Register Star News stated that the Sandusky USO Center provided a spot for relaxation for thousands of men in uniform who found themselves temporarily in the Sandusky area. The article continued, “It has given them little attentions and helped out in the practical things of everyday life that beset a stranger; and it has done this in a homey, kindly atmosphere and with warmth of spirit that has eased the ache of homesickness and loneliness in the hearts of many.” Cookies and fruit were provided through the generosity of local organizations. Dances and parties were held both at the Sandusky U.S.O. and at Camp Perry. Junior hostesses of the U.S.O. visited men who were in the hospital at the Erie Proving Ground, playing cards and games with them as they convalesced.

A photograph was taken at the last party sponsored by the Erie County U.S.O., held at the Plum Brook Country Club.

The Sandusky U.S.O. Center closed in December of 1945 with a “fine service record,” according to an article in the December 1, 1945 issue of the Sandusky Register Star News.

Tom Benoist, Pioneer Aviator

2011-05-09T09:16:00.001-04:00

Tom Benoist was an aviation pioneer in the early part of the twentieth century. He and his brother started an automobile supply shop in 1907 in Missouri. As time went by, the shop became a supplier of aviation parts. In 1909 Tom Benoist began manufacturing airplanes. He established the Benoist Flying School in Kinloch Park about 1911. Benoist began making hydroplanes in 1913, using engines manufactured by the Roberts Motor Company. Benoist operated a flying school in Sandusky, as well.

Benoist founded a promising airplane factory in Sandusky, Ohio. In 1917 the factory was located on Columbus Avenue, near the Lake Shore railway tracks, and the testing grounds were at East Battery Park. In the fall of 1916, Elmer Straub flew a Benoist hydroplane over the housetops of Sandusky. An article in the June 2, 1917 issue of the Sandusky Star Journal reported that during a huge parade, leaflets about the Liberty Loan plan were to be distributed by aviator Elmer Straub from a Benoist aircraft. A Benoist aircraft is pictured below at the Erie County Fairgrounds.

At the age of 37, Tom Benoist was killed in a streetcar accident in Sandusky. He was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital, but died just a few hours after he arrived. Funeral services were held at the Masonic Temple, with Rev. C. L. Alspach paying tribute to the young aviator. A large floral offering in front of the coffin were designed in the shape of an airplane as a token of esteem from members of the Aviation School and the Benoist Aeroplane Company. The remains of Mr. Benoist were taken to Missouri for burial.

A plaque was placed at Battery Park in honor of the early aviation activities of Weldon B. Cooke, Thomas W. Benoist, and Reinhardt N. Ausmus.

Charles Frohman, Theatrical Manager

2011-05-05T13:19:00.000-04:00

Charles Frohman was the son of Henry and Babette Strauss Frohman, born in Sandusky in 1860. (Some sources say 1856.) Henry Frohman was born in Germany, but moved to the United States as a young man. The Frohmans had a family of seven children. All three of the Frohman sons, Gustave, Daniel, and Charles, were involved in the theater.

A historical marker on Lawrence Street in Sandusky marks the birthplace of Charles, Daniel and Gustave Frohman.

Around 1864, the Frohman family moved from Sandusky, Ohio to New York City, where Charles found work at a newspaper office. Charles Frohman started his career in the theater by selling tickets, but soon joined his brother Daniel Frohman in management. Charles had his first success as a producer with the production of Shenandoah in 1889.

Soon he took over Proctor’s Theater, and eventually started the Charles Frohman Stock Company. Charles Frohman was one of the founders of the Theatrical Syndicate which for a time controlled theaters in America.

In 1893 Charles Frohman and Al Hayman opened the Empire Theater, which was for many years the oldest and most prestigious playhouse in New York City. Charles saw the theater makes its transition from the stock system to the star system. Frohman personally managed a bright group of stars, including Ethel Barrymore, John Drew, and Nat Goodwin. He coached actors in their parts, advised them, and often sent them gifts of books, candy, and flowers. By 1900, Charles was producing plays in New York and London, where his favorite playwright was J. M. Barrie, author of the play Peter Pan.

Charles Frohman traveled back and forth between New York and London often, usually in the fall. On May 15, 1915, Frohman was aboard the Lusitania when it was torpedoed by a German U-Boat. The ship sank in just eighteen minutes, and over one thousand lives were lost. The body of Charles Frohman was recovered, and following a private funeral at Daniel Frohman’s home, there were several public memorial services held simultaneously. John Barrymore was an honorary pallbearer at the service at Temple Emmanu-El held on May 25, 1915. Other services were held in England, Los Angeles, and Tacoma, Washington. Charles Frohman is buried in Union Field Cemetery in Queens.

Daniel Frohman and Isaac Frederick Marcosson co-authored a biography of Charles Frohman, entitled Charles Frohman: Manager and Man. This book is located at the Archives Research Center of the Sandusky Library, and is also available online. The Sandusky Library also has several books written by Charles E. Frohman, a nephew. Charles E. Frohman wrote a number of local history books about Sandusky, Erie County, and the Lake Erie Islands region. Another excellent resource which was created by Charles E. Frohman is his index to the Sandusky Register and the Sandusky Star Journal, located in the microfilm case at the Archives Research Center.

Aerial View of Tiffin Avenue Around 1950

2011-05-03T12:33:00.000-04:00

This aerial view of the area surrounding the intersection of Tiffin Avenue and the New York Central Railroad, in Sandusky’s west end was taken about 1950. At the very bottom left of the picture is a “Tourist Court,” according to the 1950 Sandusky City Directory. This later was known as Hopper’s Mobile Home Park. The New York Centrail railroad tracks can be seen just north of the mobile home park. Tiffin Avenue intersects with the railroad, in the lower half of the picture, forming an X. Traveling in a northeastern direction along Tiffin Avenue, the Brightman Nut and Manufacturing Company, now known as Industrial Nut Corporation, is visible. Directly across from Brightman Nut, you can see the old Coca Cola bottling company, near the current location of the Juvenile Justice Center. Continuing northeast on Tiffin Avenue are the former homes of Jacob and August Kuebeler, at 1318 and 1319 Tiffin Avenue. In 1950, the Erie County Detention Home was located at 1319 Tiffin Avenue, and Mrs. Anna Schade, the daughter of Jacob Kuebeler was still living at 1318 Tiffin Avenue. Dick’s Carry Out is currently located at 1318 Tiffin Avenue. Other landmarks on the aerial picture are the coal docks, seen at the top of the picture, and Mills Creek, to the east of Brightman Nut. The smokestack from the former G and C Foundry is visible at the very left side of the picture.

See a previous blog post to view aerial photographs taken by Tom Root.

Downtown Sandusky in 1905

2011-04-28T10:21:00.000-04:00

While we do not know the occasion for the large crowds of people in downtown Sandusky in 1905, the unknown photographer was facing north towards Sandusky Bay when he took this picture. A larger steamer is at the foot of Columbus Avenue, and the people lining the streets all appear to be looking north. Rails for the interurban railway can be seen across Columbus Avenue. Folks are peering out the windows of the second floors of buildings, as well as off the fire escape of the Cooke building.

A large watch advertises the business of Henry Dehnel, who claimed to be Sandusky’s leading jeweler in the 1906 Sandusky City Directory. The sun must have been bright on this day, as several ladies have parasols open, to shield them from the sun’s bright rays.

Several youngsters are close to an automobile in which one child is holding a sign up to promote the Great Band at Cedar Point. A float sponsored by the Herb and Myers store advertises “Furniture of Quality.”

Children of all ages can be seen with their families. Bicycles and horse drawn carriages were still popular modes of transportation at this time.

A float featuring a large cigar was a popular attraction, drawing a lot of attention from the crowds.

Visit the Sandusky Library Archives Research Center to see this any many other historical photographs from Sandusky and Erie County.

Program Announcement: On the Waterfront: Stories and History of Sandusky's Shoreline

2011-04-24T11:46:00.001-04:00

Join us on Saturday, April 30, at 2:00 p.m. in the Library Program Room as Archives Librarian Ron Davidson presents stories and information about life and activities in the original heart of Sandusky - along the waterfront - from its beginnings in the early 19th Century through the 20th Century.

Using resources from the Library’s collections - documents, artifacts, and histories - we will trace the physical and commercial development of the waterfront and share stories about everyday life in Sandusky - including some of the seamier sides! Find out what life was like for early Sanduskians, and learn about the hardships and the successes that helped to define our community. Registration is requested, but is not required.

Services Held in Honor of President William Henry Harrison

2011-04-23T10:19:00.002-04:00

Grace Episcopal Church held a special service in honor of recently-deceased President William Henry Harrison on Friday, April 23, 1841. The Order of Exercises included two Odes by the choir, as well as a choral anthem. Prayers were led by the Rev. I.A. Hart and Rev. A.W. Curtis, and the eulogy for President Harrison was give by the Rev. B.H. Hickox. William Henry Harrison was the ninth United States President, serving from March 4, 1841 to April 4, 1841, the shortest term of any American president. He died after he caught a cold that developed into pneumonia.

Before he became President, William Henry Harrison was a frontier leader who fought in several battles during the early Indian wars. He was known his victory over Shawnee chief Tecumseh at the Battle of Tippecanoe on November 7, 1811. During the War of 1812, he commanded the Army of the Northwest as Brigadier General. He became a national hero after the defeat of the combined British and Indian forces at the Battle of the Thames.

In September of 1835, Harrison was in Sandusky to officiate at the groundbreaking of the Mad River and Lake Erie Railroad.

During his presidential campaign in 1840, William Henry Harrison visited Sandusky. The ladies of Sandusky presented him with this embroidered banner in honor of the campaign.

The banner is still on display at the Follett House Museum. The story behind this banner is related on page 13 of the October 1896 issue of the Firelands Pioneer, available in the Genealogy section of the Sandusky Library.

Today few would agree with William Henry Harrison’s views on slavery and Native Americans, but in his day he was heralded as a military hero by the residents of Sandusky, Ohio.