Knights of St. John Convention in Sandusky

The Knights of St. John, a Catholic fraternal organization, held their convention in Sandusky, Ohio from June 19-26, 1910. Special services were held at St. Mary’s church, while business sessions took place at Cedar Point. A Grand International Parade was held in downtown Sandusky on June 20 at 3 p.m.

The Knights of St. John wore military style uniforms.

Rev. John Cavanaugh, president of the University of Notre Dame gave an address at the Grand Banquet at Cedar Point on June 23. On Friday night, a grand military ball was held at the Coliseum at Cedar Point, with the Knights of St. John in full uniform.

The field and staff officers for the 1st Battalion, 5th District of Ohio, were all residents of Sandusky. William Busam served as Colonel; Emil Meyer was Senior Major; Joseph Meyer was Junior Major; Lieutenant Colonel was Carl F. Joerger; Anthony Joerger was Commissary; and Adjutant was Benjamin Erney. The Sandusky Commandery of the Knights of St. John, No. 49, had their photograph taken on the steps of the Sandusky Library.

Sandusky’s Columbus Avenue

Columbus Avenue was located in the very center of the 1818 Plat Map of Sandusky. Known as the Kilbourne Plat, downtown Sandusky was laid out in the shape of the Masonic emblem.

Local historian James A. Ryan wrote in the January 20, 1932 issue of the Sandusky Star Journal that while Water Street was the location of the very earliest Sandusky businesses, Columbus Avenue saw significant growth in development between 1850 and 1880. W.T. and A.K. West operated a dry goods store on Columbus Avenue before they opened the West House hotel located at the southwest corner of Columbus Avenue and Water Street in 1858.

William A. Graham operated a drug store on the southeast corner of Columbus Avenue and Water Street.
Columbus Avenue continued to be part of the major transportation and business center of the city of Sandusky. Several modes of transportation can be seen at the foot of Columbus Avenue about 1900. (The steamers A. Wehrle, Arrow, and R.B. Hayes are visible in this image.)

Parades held in Sandusky were often routed down Columbus Avenue. A parade held by the Knights of St. John took place in 1910.

Visit the Sandusky Library Archives Research Center to view a variety of books, newspapers, photographs, and other archival resources relating to the history of Sandusky and Erie County.