The Graham Block

 

The image above is from an 1894 publication, Art Work of Huron and Erie Counties. According to volume 11 of the Firelands Pioneer, John A. Graham had the Graham Block built in the late 1870s. He was also known for having established the first drug store in Sandusky, on the corner of Columbus Avenue and Water Street, where Daly’s Pub is now located. 

Stores on the street level in the picture above are George Knopf and Sons, a men’s store; the Quinn and Whitworth grocery store; and Henry Dehnel’s jewelry store. To the south of the Graham Block was the Sloane House hotel (slightly visible on the left), and the old Post Office was to the north (at the corner of Columbus and Market). An advertisement for diamonds at the Dehnel store appears on the side of the building. The Graham Block was in the 200 block of Columbus Avenue. 

In the image below, from 1949, you can see the Graham Block as a sign was being placed on the new Lasalle’s store. Byer Brothers and the Caryl Crane store are on the lower level of the Graham Building. Further down the block are J.C. Penney, Montgomery Ward, and Gray’s Drug Store.

Today the property where the Graham Block once stood is occupied by the Erie County Building and parking garage. This block in downtown Sandusky continues to play a vital role in the lives of the residents of Sandusky and Erie County, Ohio.

Whitworth and Quinn Grocery Store

After having been associated with the Whitworth and Free grocery store for a number of years, in about 1878 John Whitworth began a partnership with Patrick H. Quinn in a store in the 200 block of Columbus Avenue that sold groceries and provisions.

John Whitworth was born in New Jersey in 1852, to Jonathan and Nancy Whitworth. The family moved to Erie County, Ohio when John was quite young. He began working in a grocery store when he just a teenager. He worked hard and became a partner in Whitworth and Free, and later he and Patrick Quinn ran the grocery business. By the early 1900s, he had given up the grocery business, and he became the treasurer of the American Crayon Company. He was also well known in banking and finance circles. John Whitworth died at his home in Sandusky on September 13, 1907. Hewson Peeke wrote in his book A Standard History of Erie County (Lewis Publishing Co., 1916) about Mr. Whitworth, that “throughout his career was a conservative but public spirited citizen, and everything that he touched was the better for his influence.” 

From about 1900 to 1905, Patrick H. Quinn continued to operate a grocery store at 213 Columbus Avenue in Sandusky. In 1905, he sold his business to Otto Kaufmann and William O. Huth. Eventually he moved to New York City, where he passed away in 1918.

Kaufmann and Huth carried fine groceries and delicacies. Their location at 213 Columbus Avenue was later occupied by the J.C. Penney store and Caryl Crane. You can read a brief history of grocery stores in Sandusky in article 9 of From the Widow’s Walk by Helen Hansen and Virginia Steinemann, available at the Sandusky Library.

Musicians in Sandusky

Music has been an important part of society throughout history. From lullabies, to work songs, to patriotic anthems and funeral hymns, music is associated with major milestones of an individual’s or a family’s life experiences. Before the time of television and radio, families would often enjoy songs together in the evening. Virtually all movies, plays, and television programs utilize some form of music to convey a message.

In Sandusky music has been performed by many community and school bands and orchestras. Musical performances at public events were common. Organized singing groups were very popular with the German immigrants. Additionally, the first known band in Sandusky was the Jaeger Band, comprised mainly of German immigrants (seen here circa 1851). A variety of bands appeared at Cedar Point throughout the years, including that of John Philip Sousa. When local piano teachers had recitals, the newspaper listed the names of the students as well as the pieces each student played.
Aimee Quinn is pictured with her violin in 1897. She later taught music along with her sister Jean in New York City. Aimee’s father was grocer in Sandusky.
Reber Johnson was a child prodigy. He is seen here at the age of 6 with his instructor William F. Peters. Reber Johnson taught music at Oberlin College for thirty years. He was the grandson of Leonard Johnson, who owned Johnson’s Island at one time. Reber Johnson’s aunt, Sallie Reber, was a well-known popular singer.

The Sandusky High School Orchestra of 1904 is pictured below:

Visit the Sandusky Library’s Archives Research Center to learn more about the music and musicians of Erie County.