Celebrating the Fourth of July

Each year on July 4^th, we celebrate the birth of our republic.  On July 2, 1776, our founding fathers took a stand and voted to legally separate the thirteen Colonies from Great Britain’s rule.  Thereafter, these courageous men hammered out the details of the Declaration of Independence which officially stated the intentions of the separation.  On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was officially adopted by the Second Continental Congress.  Hence, it is on this date that we celebrate our country’s independence; yet, the fight for independence would continue for another seven years.  In a letter to his wife, Abigail, dated July 5, 1776, founding father, John Adams, predicted the significance of the day upon which the vote to legally separate from Great Britain occurred as follows:

          “The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”

 

          Adams' prediction was accurate, but the date of celebration falls on July 4, not July 2.  Hence, from 1776 until today, Americans have chosen to celebrate the Day of Independence in much the same fashion. 

Huron Suffers Severe Loss From Big Fire

From the Sandusky Evening Star, Saturday, April 18, 1903

 

The Losses:

Hermes & Scott, fish warehouse, $5,000; no insurance

W.C. Heyman, fish warehouse and contents, $6,000; no insurance

W.C. Heyman, ice house, $500; no insurance

C.A. Weichel, stock of ice, $500; no insurance

V. Fries estate, barn and lumber, $1,000; fully insured

                                     

            For a time, Friday afternoon, the village of Huron was threatened with a most disastrous fire, which seemed likely to sweep the river front and spread to business blocks.  The dying down of the wind, however, prevented such a disaster, and the blaze was practically confined to four buildings, the lumber yards being saved.  The total loss is estimated at about $12,000 or $13,000, with but little insurance being given above.

            The fire broke out in the fish and twine warehouse of Hermes and Scott, on the river front, near the Fries lumber yards, and spread rapidly.  A half dozen people saw the blaze break out about 4:30 and turned in the alarm.  How the fire started no one knows.  A puff of black smoke suddenly burst out of a window on the first floor, and in another moment the building was a mass of flames.  No one had been near the building, and no fire was near the place, so far as is known.  The day before, a large quantity of nets and twine had been freshly tarred and stored in the building, and this burned like tinder.

            Huron has no fire department to speak of.  There is one little hand engine and a supply of hose, and a volunteer company, of which Henry Shaffer is chief.  The firemen turned out in good order, and soon had the little engine manned, but the sickly stream of water thrown was of no avail.  The flames rapidly spread to the large fish warehouse of W.C. Heyman, and also to Heyman’s ice house.  When it was seen that the fire was likely to spread to the lumber yards, an urgent appeal for help was sent to Sandusky.  It required time to make up a special train and get the big steamer loaded on, but a quick run was made and by 5:45, the Sandusky firemen were on hand and ready for business.  By that time, however, the fire was well under control, and there was nothing to do but turn a stream onto the ruins and keep the fire in check as a precaution against a possible high wind.

            Huron will feel the loss by fire severely.  In both fish houses, there were quantities of twine which were destroyed.  The ice, owned by C.A. Weichel, was considerably damaged and may be worthless.  It is not likely that the warehouses will be rebuilt, and this makes the loss the more severe for Huron people.  They consider themselves fortunate; however, in that the fire came at a time when there was little wind, for had the strong north wind of the last few days been blowing, nothing would have saved the lumber yards and many buildings in the vicinity.

            It was the hard work of the Huron firemen and citizens that saved much loss in the lumber yard.  Before the steamer arrived from Sandusky, the blaze had spread to a barn adjoining the lumber piles.  On the second floor of this barn was stored a quantity of fine lumber.  As the lower part of the barn was burned away, the floor fell.  Then men went to work tearing down parts of the burning building and removing the lumber.  One pile of lumber was also torn down, and this prevented a further spread of fire.  At one time, the large lumber ware house was on fire, so great was the heat, but this blaze was extinguished.  The loss to the Fries estate will not exceed a thousand dollars.

            Two vessels, the tug Industry and the barge Columbia were lying in the river adjoining the fish houses, but they were not in much danger at any time.

            The fire attracted a great crowd of people, and cars running to Huron from both east and west carried many people.  When the Sandusky steamer was started, there was a novel sight for the Huron folks.  Their chief regrets that the firemen did not reach them earlier.

Building Doctor Program Coming to Vermilion on April 11

 

         Due to a general lack of proper maintenance, historic structures often come with a host of unforeseen problems.  Nonetheless, the integrity with which these structures were built and the quality of the craftsmanship is often unparalleled in today’s world.  If you own an older house or building or are simply interested in the preservation of historic structures, you can gain valuable information by attending the upcoming Building Doctor Clinic in Vermilion.  The Ohio Historical Society’s Building Doctors are specifically trained to teach those who own historic structures how to recognize and solve some of the most common problems associated with maintaining those structures and how to make informed decisions about repairs and improvements. 

According to the Ohio Historical Society’s web site, “Each Building Doctor clinic begins with a free seminar on topics like peeling paint and failing plaster, wet basements, deteriorating masonry, windows, wood issues, and bringing buildings built before 1955 up to date without sacrificing historic integrity.  On the following day, the Building Doctors make the rounds of ailing buildings within five miles of the city center where the seminar is held to examine problems and prescribe cures.”  The site visits are free, but only about 10 inspections will be performed.  Hence, it is imperative that interested parties register for the seminar and then make an appointment with the Building Doctor for a site visit.  The Building Doctors will visit any pre-1955 building including schools, churches, factories, stores, offices, farm buildings, and homes.

The Building Doctors only give six programs per year.  On April 11, they will be visiting Vermilion and presenting their program at the Ritter Public Library at 7:00 PM.  Site visits will take place on Friday, April 12 from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM.  Registration for the seminar and the site visits is can be completed online at www.ohpo.org/gis/BDindex.htm or by calling 1-800-499-2470.  The Building Doctor Program is being co-sponsored by Main Street Vermilion, Inc. and the Sandusky/Erie County Community Foundation.  Further information about the program in Vermilion should be directed to Linda Tallitsch at 440-963-0772.  If you cannot attend the program in Vermilion, the Building Doctors will be visiting Port Clinton in September.  Alternately, the Building Doctors will make a ‘Virtual Site Visit’ if you have one or two technical questions that you would like to ask.  Questions should be directed to the Building Doctors at ohpo@ohiohistory.org. 

St. Patrick and St. Joseph

Here is the link to an article that I wrote for the Huron Hometown News.  In the article, I provide an overview of who St. Patrick and St. Joseph were and why and how their feast days are celebrated.  I hope you enjoy this article!  Link: http://huronhometownnews.com/news/around-town/1146-st-patrick-and-st-joseph

More on Captain Fairbanks Church

The July 19, 1836 edition of the Norwalk Reflector details the near completion of Fairbanks Church's second ship of the season, the DeWitt Clinton.  As previously stated, Captain Fairbanks Church was a prolific ship builder in Huron, Ohio, in the late 1820s and 1830s.  Further information on the eventual fate of the DeWitt Clinton, can be found here:http://images.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca/28054/data

Here is a great article on the fate of another ship built by Fairbanks Church, the Great Western: http://www.examiner.com/article/the-burning-of-the-great-western

Huron’s Port was Important to the Town’s Development

Mouth of the Huron River

Huron, Ohio, May 26, 1832 from the Norwalk Reflector

            The rapidly increasing business of this place begins to arrest the attention of our own citizens, as well as travellers and emigrants, who feel an interest in the settlement of Huron County.  Since the Steam Boat Sheldon Thompson was built at this port in 1830, it has been noted as one of the best places for ship building on the western Lakes.  Since which, the following large Schooners have been built and fitted out at this place, viz. the Marengo, launched in June, 1831- burthen 105 tons;- the Austerlitz, launched in April, 1832- burthern 131 tons, built by Capt. Church and owned by O. Newberry, Esq. of Detroit;- the Prince Eugene, launched in May, 1832- burthern 101 tons, built by Capt. Parsons, and owned by Mr. T. Jackson of Huron;- the Buffalo, launched in May, 1832- burthern 161 tons;- and a new Schooner, now on the stocks, which will be launched about the 20^th June- burthern 130 tons;- the two last vessels owned by Messrs. Standart & Hamilton of Milan, and built by Capt. Church.  They are all built of the best materials and after the most approved models, and by first rate ship builders;- any country may well be proud of either of them.

            The above mentioned vessels, together with the well know Lady of the Lakes, Louisa Jenkins, Cincinnati, Mary of Milan, Eclipse, and a number of small vessels, too numberous to mention, are owned at this port and Milan, and employed in exporting produce to Detroit and the upper Lakes, as well as to Buffalo and Oswego; and in return bringing merchandize and emigrants from Buffalo;- give to the Port of Huron a name abroad and at home of increasing importance.  It is a well known fact, that this place began its date as a port in 1824; at which time waggons were frequently driven across the mouth of the river on a sand bar, which obstructed the waters of the Huron, and caused them to set back in the low lands of the adjoining country, occasioning innumerable and complicated diseases.  These evils the fostering hand of Government not only removed, but converted the harbor into one of the best and safest on the Lake, by extending piers a quarter of a mile into the Lake, preventing sand from washing into the channel.  To the country generally it is of vast importance, as good roads lead to Milan, and from that village to all surrounding country.  The merchants of Milan and Huron have gone into competition with those of Sandusky city in vending salkt, and purchasing produce, which has reduced the price of the former, and advanced the latter to unreasonable rates.  The farmers feel the effects of this competition to a great extent; many of whom are rapidly increasing in wealth.

            The town of Huron, in a great measure, owes it flattering prospects to the enterprising citizens of Milan; through whose influence and exertions appropriations were made for the improvement of the harbor.  The village of Milan is well situated for trade, and by its connection with Huron by the Huron River, which is navigable up within three miles of Milan, together with its healthy location, will soon become a place of extensive business.  It is in contemplation to connect the two villages, at the head of navigation, by a canal, which will no doubt ere long be carried into effect.  A daily line of Steam Boats, from Buffalo to Detroit, now call at Huron, both on their upward and downward passage, landing and receiving passengers, freight, & c.  A daily line o f Stages has also been recently established, running from Huron through Milan, Norwalk, Mount Vernon, to Columbus.  The large amount of business already brought to the Lake, by this route, exceeds the expectations of its most sanguine friends.

Note: The Milan Canal, which was completed in 1839, brought a period of prosperity to Milan.  The Canal linked Milan to the Huron River and, subsequently, Lake Erie.  Ships traveled along the three-mile canal, and then proceeded to the Huron River and eventually traveled another seven miles to Lake Erie through the town of Huron.  Farmers could bring their grain, hogs, and other goods to market in Milan and save a day’s travel time over less than ideal roads.  Farmers from a 70-80 mile radius to the south, east, and west took advantage of Milan’s Canal.  In its heyday, 600-700 wagons arrived in Milan per day, and as many as 20 sailing vessels were loaded with upwards of 35,000 bushels of grain.  The population of Milan surged from around 280 residents in 1824 to 500 in 1840 to 1,500 in 1850.  Ultimately, the Milan Canal resulted in a major decline in the shipbuilding and exports from Huron. 

The History of Milan, Ohio, the Milan Canal, and Squier’s Inn

     The mid to late 1830s was a period of great prosperity in Milan’s history.  Construction on the Milan Canal began in 1832 and was completed in 1839.  The Canal linked Milan to the Huron River and, subsequently, Lake Erie.  Ships traveled along the three-mile canal, and then proceeded to the Huron River and eventually traveled another seven miles to Lake Erie through the town of Huron.  Thus, farmers could bring their grain, hogs, and other goods to market in Milan and save a day’s travel time over less than ideal roads.  Farmers from a 70-80 mile radius to the south, east, and west took advantage of Milan’s Canal.  In its heyday, 600-700 wagons arrived in Milan per day, and as many as 20 sailing vessels were loaded with upwards of 35,000 bushels of grain.  The population of Milan surged from around 280 residents in 1824 to 500 in 1840 to 1,500 in 1850.  All of this activity in Milan allowed for a variety of businesses to flourish. 

     One of the businesses that was created due to the increased number of visitors to Milan was the Squier Inn and Tavern which was constructed east of Milan by Whitney Squier.  Though no evidence in the form of newspaper ads or articles or other stories in written histories concerning the Squier’s Inn could be located, Milan historian, Wallace B. White, discussed the inn on several occasions during a 1976 interview that was transcribed by Ruth Vogt.  In speaking of the dance floor at the Squier’s Inn, Wallace stated “The dance floor in there is said to have been built so it was springy, and sprang.  Also on the dance floor, they had tracks so that the partitions could be pulled up to make the bedrooms, or pulled back again to make the dance floor.”  The Squier’s Inn was apparently a popular stop for farmers hauling large loads and especially for those farmers who were driving herds of hogs.  The Squier family owned a large property and likely had corrals for the hogs.  According to Wallace “…hogs were quite a commodity.  This old Inn (Squier’s), over there, the drovers used to stop there.  The drovers would come in at night, feed the hogs salt and water them hard, so it would increase their weight when they sold them down here (in town).”

     Whitney kept the Inn with the help of his unmarried daughters.  With the sheer number of wagons arriving in Milan each day and the large number of hogs being driven to Milan, Whitney was able to prosper.  As evidence of Whitney’s prosperity, on the 1850 census he stated that his real estate was valued at $11,000 which roughly corresponds to $323,000 today.  However, the prosperity of Milan soon began to diminish, first due to an outbreak of cholera in 1851.  The town tried to limit the number of visitors, especially to the taverns, because they feared the visitors were bringing cholera with them.  But, the biggest blow to Milan’s economy came with the expansion of the railroad in 1854.  The railroad made transportation of goods much easier and cheaper for farmers who lived in remote areas.  Hence, the Milan Canal was no longer a necessary means of transport.  Though only traces of the Milan Canal can be found, the Squier's Inn still stands as a testimony to the once prosperous period in Milan's history.

The History of Valentine's Day



           February 14 marks the official celebration of love.  According to a study completed for the National Retail Federation, Americans will shell out $18.6 billion on candy, flowers, jewelry, and other gifts for their sweethearts this Valentine’s Day.  Americans are not the only ones who choose to express their love on Valentine’s Day.  The day is also celebrated in Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France, Australia, Italy, and Denmark.  But why do we do spend money in buying gifts on this particular day?  What is the significance of Valentine’s Day in the first place?  Is it simply a ploy by retailers to get us to spend our money?

            Valentine’s Day has been celebrated as a day to show affection to the one you love since at least the 14^th century.  Yet, the history of the man (or men) for whom the day is named is a little sketchy.  Legend has it that there were at least three different men named Valentine for whom the day is dedicated.  All were said to have been martyred for their faith on February 14.  Interestingly, the confusion over who Valentine actually was and what he did led the Catholic Church to drop St. Valentine's Day from their official calendar of feast days in 1969.  Yet, the celebration of Valentine’s Day remains prominent in our culture.

The most well-known of the three men named Valentine was a priest who lived in Rome in the third century during the reign of Claudius II.  Claudius wanted to strategically build his military, so he declared that young men were no longer able to get married.  Valentine defied the Emperor’s edict and secretly married young couples.  Unfortunately, Valentine was caught and was imprisoned.  In the end, he was condemned to death and was beheaded outside Rome’s Flaminian Gate around 269 AD, allegedly on February 14. 

Several legends were associated with Valentine and the circumstances of his death.  In one story, Valentine is credited with restoring the sight of his jailer’s blind daughter.  This story goes on to claim that on the night before his execution, Valentine penned a letter to the jailer’s daughter and signed it, “From your Valentine”.  Whether these stories or any others associated with Valentine are true, there indeed was a man named Valentine.  In 1836, some relics that were exhumed from the catacombs of St. Hippolytus near Rome were identified with Valentine. 

The association of St. Valentine’s Day with love and romance is rooted in the Roman festival of Lupercalia which was celebrated on February 15.  On this day, the Romans honored the god, Lupercus, and picked a romantic partner for the year.  The Catholic Church commonly chose to offer Christians an alternative to pagan celebrations.  Hence, in the 5^th century Pope Gelasius I established February 14 as a day to honor St. Valentine.  Nonetheless, Roman men continued their former traditions in seeking out the affections of women.  Expressing love and affection on Valentine’s Day has been widely popular since the Middle Ages, though written notes were not commonplace until around 1400.  In the United States, written Valentine’s were shared amongst the earliest settlers.  Around 1840, Esther Howland began producing and selling the first mass-produced Valentines in America. 

Hence, whether the legends associated with St. Valentine’s Day are all true or not, this day has long been associated with love.  The tradition of expressing love through the written word and/or gift giving has been in place much longer than retailers and greeting card companies.  So do not feel that in celebrating your love on this day you are simply falling victim to commercialism.  All things considered, we truly need something to brighten up these long Ohio winters, and Valentine’s Day offers us the opportunity!

Value in the Past

I came across this great quote yesterday while doing some research on the history of Lakeside, Ohio, for a chapter in my book on the Hoover Potato Digger and its inventor, Isaac W. Hoover.  This quote sums up why I enjoy doing historical research so very much!

"There is a tendency for the present to disgard all the past and keep only the new. However, backgrounds are fascinating entities as are characters, which have all the illuminating facets of a diamond."
~Eleanor Durr, from Lakeside, Ohio: First 100 Years

Ship Building in Huron: Fairbanks Church

Since moving to Huron, I have been intrigued by the shipbuilders, ship captains, fishermen, and lighthouse keepers of this town on the shore of Lake Erie. Hence, I was thrilled to come across the name of Fairbanks Church in my current project. Of course, my curiousity led me to research (on my own time) beyond was necessary for the house history. Here is a bit of what I discovered:

Captain Fairbanks Church came to Ohio around 1820 from Connecticut. He and Captain Augustus Jones established shipyards at Lorain and Huron and began building innovative vessels that were better at sailing and could carry large tonage. Captain Church had a prolific shipbuilding career in Huron. He built steamers, including the DeWitt Clinton and Great Western, and the 2-mast brig, Henry Clay. Captain Church died in 1843 at the age of 52.

The Great Western: http://drc.library.bgsu.edu/bitstream/handle/2374.BGSU/999/002486a.jpg?sequence=1

Underground Railroad Reminiscences

One of my current projects has given me the amazing opportunity to learn about the Underground Railroad and the incredible events that took place in Erie County, Ohio, and beyond. I found the following account presented to the Firelands Historical Society in 1887 to be particularly moving.

On December 25, 1859 or 1860 when H.F. Paden was a passenger conductor on the old Sandusky, Mansfield and Newark Railroad, he assisted nine fugitive slaves in their journey to freedom in Canada. Paden got the men as far as the Sandusky, Ohio, where he observed the following:

“Between them and their goal lay Lake Erie, its waters congealed by the forces of nature into a mighty bridge, thirty miles across, treacherous withal, liable to be swept by furious winds and cruel blinding storms of snow. To the certain and uncertain places of this bridge, alike unknown to them, with a pocket compass for their sole guide, these men were about to commit themselves, their hopes, their dearest interests, their very lives, with trustful confidence in a God of freedom, for one grand, final effort to achieve ownership of their own bodies and souls.”

Political Cartoons have been Around a Long Time

Here is an example of political humor following the 1912 Presidential Election in which Woodrow Wilson (D) won in a landslide defeat over Theodore Roosevelt (Progressive Party), William Taft (R), and Eugene Debs (Socialist Party). (From the November 8, 1912 issue of the Sandusky Register.)

Consider Giving a Gift of History This Year

House histories and family histories make great gifts. These gifts are unique and very personal. I have completed many histories for gifts, and all have been well-received. If you are considering giving a gift of history this year, please plan ahead. Researching a house or a family takes time, so I set October 31 as my cutoff date for beginning Christmas gifts. Gift certificates are also available.

Jabez Wright: Huron’s Connection to the Underground Railroad



            Huron can take pride in having been the home of an amazing pioneer, civic leader, and integral figure in the antislavery movement, Jabez Wright.  Wright came from New York to the Firelands with Almon Ruggles in 1809.  Wright and Ruggles had been hired to survey the area of the Connecticut Western Reserve that became known as the Firelands.  This land was to be distributed as compensation to those who experienced a significant loss of property during the Revolutionary War.  Wright apparently liked the area and settled on the west bank of the Huron River about 2.5 miles from the shores of Lake Erie, in Huron Township.  On May 11, 1811, he married Tamar Ruggles, niece of Almon Ruggles, and together they had five children: Winthrop, Douglass, Lucy, Abigail, and Ruggles.  Around 1815, Wright relocated to a large parcel of land located on the north side of what is today known as Cleveland Road, West, just east of Rye Beach Road.  On this property around 1822, Wright built the first brick house in Huron Township.  This impressive home contained eight rooms and a basement.

            Wright was instrumental in the development of the Firelands region, and according to his obituary, he was “universally esteemed”.  Further, the 1874 Combined Atlas Map of Erie County states that Wright was “a good citizen, an exemplary Christian, and an enterprising pioneer.”  As evidence of his good character and civic responsibility, Wright was elected as one of the first two county commissioners for the Village of Cleveland and, in 1815, was elected as one of the first three associate judges for the Court of Common Pleas in Huron County (Erie County was carved out of part of Huron County in 1838).  Wright also was elected to serve as Justice of the Peace for Huron Township.  In 1820, Wright lost his bid for Ohio State Representative, but in 1823 he was elected to the position of Ohio State Senator for the Ashtabula District, which included Cuyahoga, Geauga, Portage, Huron, Medina, and Sandusky counties.  Wright served in this capacity for two terms from 1822-1825.  In 1836, he was nominated as the Whig party’s candidate for Representative for the 14^th Congressional District, a position which Wright did not obtain.  Wright also worked as a surveyor, land agent, and farmer.

In addition to his public service, Wright’s exceptional character was also evident in the fact that he was one of the first residents of Firelands and the state of Ohio to aid fugitive slaves.  Wright risked his reputation and financial well-being to do what was morally right, though in violation of state and federal statutes.  His large home served as a regular station or depot on the Underground Railroad.  Beneath Wright's farmhouse was a 16-foot wide and 90-foot long tunnel.  Fugitive slaves entered the passage through a trap door in the home's basement and exited into a corn crib located about 100 feet from Lake Erie.  There, these families and individuals awaited the arrival of rowboats that would transport them to vessels headed to Canada and, subsequently, freedom.  Alternately, after resting at Wright’s home, the slaves would make their way to Sandusky or Detroit to await a ship headed to Canada.  In a speech before the Firelands Historical Society in 1888, Honorable Rush R. Sloane described Jabez Wright as follows: “He never failed when opportunity offered to lend a helping hand to the fugitives, secreting them when necessary, feeding them when they were hungry, clothing them and employing them.”  Wright's home was a common resting stop for Josiah Henson, the man upon whom Harriet Beeacher Stowe based her character of Uncle Tom, during his conducting journeys on the Underground Railroad.

            Wright died on December 16, 1840 at the age of 61.  According to an account of his death, he “left his house early in the evening of the 16th December, with the intention of transacting some business in the village, and going out in front of his house for the purpose of getting down to the beach, he fell from the bank, and struck his head against some timber in a crib erected in front of his residence, a distance of eighty feet.  He apparently made every effort to regain the bank, having succeeded in finding his way to the place where his family would usually go down to the lake for water-but the coldness of the night and the loss of blood paralyzed his efforts.  His lifeless body was washed off by the waves and floated opposite the village, where it was found on the morning of the 17th.”  Following the death of Jabez Wright, his sons, Winthrop and Douglass, continued the work of their father in aiding slaves in their bid for freedom.  It is unknown as to how many fugitive slaves found refuge in the home of Jabez Wright, but his name should forever be remembered for his many acts of kindness. 





Upcoming Event by Historical Research Partners

Join Lisa Yako of Historical Research Partners, Huron, Ohio, for the program, Researching the History of Your Historic Home in Lorain County.  This event will be held at the Avon Lake Public Library on  Wednesday, October 3 from 7-8:30 PM. Registration is required- 440-933-8128, ext. 249.

The End of an Era in Huron

History was made today in Huron, Ohio, as the last structure at the former ConAgra site fell.  New history will soon be made as the plans for re-development unfold.  This is an exciting time for Huron!

Rare Eliot Ness Memorabilia Collection

This photo, taken in 1947, is one piece of the Rare Eliot Ness Memorabilia Collection that will be soon be part of an auction conducted by Central Mass Auctions, Inc. The photo was taken in Cleveland during Ness' unsuccessful bid for mayor. This is of particular interest to me because the store in the background was owned by my family. So cool! History truly is everywhere.

Huron's Old Plat Neighborhood

Huron's Old Plat neighborhood is an ecletic mix of interesting houses and even more interesting people.  There is an optional neighborhood association, the Old Plat Association, through which social events like an Easter egg hunt, summer picinic, and Christmas carolling events are planned.  Also, there is an annual neighborhood garage sale (This will take place on Saturday, May 19 from 8-2 with 20+ houses participating.).  We also have a self-guided walking tour brochure should you want to stroll around our neighborhood.  Copies of this can be found at the Huron Public Library, the Huron Chamber of Commerce, or online (http://huron.net/pdf/walking%20tour%2007.pdf).

There are a few historic homes for sale in the neighborhood, and we are looking for new homeowners who will cherish these old houses and be true to their history.  Previously, I discussed the house located at 125 Center Street.  This house is still for sale.  Another great house that has recently come on the market is located at 125 Williams Street.  This home, built circa 1838, was the longtime home of Rev. Samuel Marks.  Marks was the minister at Christ Episcopal Church in Huron for many years and was well-loved by the entire community.  The current owners have emassed quite a history on Samuel Marks and are willing to share this with the new owners.  Here is a link to the listing:  http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/125-Williams-St_Huron_OH_44839_M33780-97293.  As the president of the Old Plat Association, I am happy to answer any questions you might have about the neighborhood or Huron in general.

Portraits of Huron’s Past: Andrew and Emma (Frye) Linker

            A series of tragic events led Andrew F. Linker to Huron, Ohio, in the late 1800s.  Andrew Phoenix Linker was born on a farm on Galloway Road in Perkins Township on May 22, 1870, to John C. and Margaret Linker.  Andrew’s mother, Margaret, died in 1878, and his father, John, died in 1888 after being run over by a train.  Since adulthood, in the legal context, was not reached until age 21 at this time, Andrew came under the guardianship of family friend, Gustavus Graham.  Soon, Andrew came to live with the Graham family and helped maintain their farm at 3419 Cleveland Road in Huron Township (currently owned by the Barnes family).  Further, Andrew became the sole heir of Gustavus Graham after the Graham’s only daughter, Cora, committed suicide in December of 1888.

            In 1902, Andrew married Emma Josephine Frye.  Emma, the daughter of Jacob and Emma Frye, was born in April of 1878, was raised in Huron, and graduated from Huron High School in 1894.  She attended college in Berea, Ohio, where she obtained a teaching certificate.  Emma taught in a one-room school house in Huron prior to and after her marriage.  After Andrew and Emma’s wedding, the newlyweds lived with the Graham family.  Andrew and Emma were blessed with three children, Lurella Belle born in 1904, Ivan Graham born in 1905, and Donna Rose born in 1921.

            The Linkers were quite active in the community and served on many committees.  Their involvement included the Erie County Grange, the juvenile Grange, the Women’s Council of National Defense, the County Health League, the Erie County Fair, the Knights of Pythias, the Rye Beach Food Club, the Farm Bureau, and the Sandusky Library Trustees. 

            Tragedy visited the Linker family when Ivan Linker died in July of 1919, at the age of 13.  Ivan had been swimming with some friends at Rye Beach.  The waves were large and the strong undertow caught Ivan and pulled him out of reach of his friends.  His body was not recovered until the following morning. 

            Andrew’s primary occupation was farming; yet, as the hard times of the Great Depression overtook the country, the Linkers, like most American families, could not survive on farming alone.  Around 1930, the Linkers opened their home to tourists as the Ridgewell Inn.  In addition, two chicken coops that sat north of the house were converted to cabins and then rented to tourists.  Later, the Linkers added a gas station to their offerings, which was located across the street on the corner of Cleveland Road and Camp Street.  Later, the Ridgewell Inn also offered tennis courts and a miniature golf course for the guests.  The Linker’s continued to welcome tourists into their home until Andrew’s death in 1942.

            After Andrew’s death, Emma remained in her home for the next eight years.  She was having difficulty maintaining the property and her daughters encouraged her to sell.  Being fiercely protective of her home, Emma would not sell the property to just anyone.  She especially would not sell her home to someone that intended to turn the house into a liquor establishment because she was strongly opposed to the use of alcohol.  In 1950, Harold Barnes was looking for land along the lakeshore upon which to grow roses.  Emma agreed to sell the property to Harold since his intentions were agricultural.  After selling the property to Harold, Emma moved to Sandusky.  She remained in Sandusky until the time of her death in 1959.  Emma was buried with Andrew and Ivan in the Oakland Cemetery in Sandusky.

HOOVER POTATO DIGGER T-SHIRTS

Hoover Shirts-

The decal on the shirt is a duplicate of the decal that was on each digger as it left the Hoover Manufacturing Company in Avery, Erie County, Ohio. Sizes available are Adult M, L, XL, XXL (add $1 for XXL). Please message or call me if you are interested in purchasing a shirt. Limited quantities are available. The cost is $16 (plus $5.15 shipping, if necessary). Online ordering will be available soon.