- WEEKLY POLL
- Maumee Bay Tourists' Guide
Take a detour to the past at area landmarks, museums
Hayes Center
The Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center, located at Hayes and Buckland avenues, Fremont, is the home of the nation’s first and largest presidential library. Set on the 25-acre Spiegel Grove estate of the late president, the center includes the 31-room Victorian home where President Hayes and his wife, Lucy, retired after his term in the White House, the three-story Hayes Museum and Library, and the Hayes tomb located at the end of a trail that was once part of the Scioto Indian Trail and the Harrison supply trail during the War of 1812.
The Dillon Victorian House, located across the street from the Hayes estate at 1329 Buckland, is also operated in connection with the presidential center and hosts a series of Victorian tea programs throughout the year.
Through July 8, 2007, visitors can see the Center-created exhibit: By Presidential Design: The Home of President Rutherford B. Hayes, which details how the physical expansion of the Hayes Home mirrored the political advancement of Rutherford B. Hayes from state governor to 19 th U.S. President.
Delaware, Ohio, is the birthplace of 19th U.S. President Rutherford B. Hayes. It also is the site of one of the country's most popular harness races - the Little Brown Jug. The Hayes Presidential Center brings these two seemingly divergent topics together by hosting “The Story of Harness Racing” by Currier & Ives now 15-July 31.
In addition, the museum hosts a series of Victorian teas, vintage baseball games and outdoor verandah concerts throughout the summer.
Call 1-800-998-7737 or visit www.rbhayes.org for hours, directions and other info.
On the waterfront
In the shadow of the Toledo skyline, moored alongside the rolling landscape of International Park, a splash of history and romance await aboard the museum ship S.S. Willis B. Boyer.
The Boyer, a 617-foot freighter ship, now serves as a floating museum and tribute to maritime operations on the Great Lakes from its berth along the Maumee River at International Park, located off Main Street and adjacent to The Docks restaurant complex on Toledo’s east side.
The ship, (formerly the Col. James M. Schoonmaker) was built in 1911 and “retired” in 1980 after 69 years of service. For many of these years it ruled as “queen of the lake freighters.” Today, the S. S. Willis B. Boyer is polished, repaired, and welcomes visitors. The Boyer open through Oct. 31 seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and $4 for children 15 and under. Visit www.willisbboyer.org or call 419-936-3070.
Brandville School
Tucked away at 1133 Grasser St. in Oregon, the Historic Brandville School, originally built in 1882, has been refurbished and now houses the Oregon-Jerusalem Historical Society. Local history memorabilia, artifacts and a Civil War collection, including the recently refurbished 19th century oil painting of the 1864 Volunteer Light Artillery Group are featured. Call for tour arrangements and additional info at 419-693-7052.
Historic Genoa
The Town Hall looms over the village of Genoa, its bell tower visible for blocks. Originally built as the Genoa Opera Hall, it was completed Jan. 2, 1883, and had an opening with the play, “The Three Wise Owls,” by A. O. Miller. The building immediately became the hub of activity in the village and council meetings are still held there.
Built in the Gothic revival style, the structure features eight ornamental chimneys, and a hand-carved sandstone mask of Dionysius, the Greek God of theater, which rests over the main entrance. An exterior renovation, including rebuilding of the bell tower and ornamental chimneys, replacement of the slate roof, and restoration of the window glass was completed in 1979. The century-old entrances were also made handicapped-accessible. The Town Hall, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, houses the mayor’s office and the village council chambers on the first floor. The second floor is used by Genoa’s Civic Theater.
Genoa Privy, built to serve as Genoa’s first school, is believed to be the only brick outhouse on the National Register of Historic Places.
Pemberville highlights
Pemberville’s historic Pember-Furry House and One-Room School at 324 E. Front St. take visitors back in time to the early 1900s. Believed to be the community’s oldest frame residence, the Furry House was built by village founder James Pember, and eventually was home to long-time residents Jacob H. Furry and his daughter, Minnie.
Featuring unique architectural details and authentic period furnishings, the house sits adjacent to the One Room School, where Pemberville’s youth learned “readin’ and writin’” at the turn of the century. Admission is free. The Pember-Furry House and One-Room School are open by appointment from spring through fall. Call 419-287-3274 for info.
The Pemberville Depot, located at 215 Hickory St. is a restored railroad depot (circa 1881) with railroad and Pemberville memorabilia on display. Open May thru October by appointment (call 419-287-4114), or during community events.
Woodville Past
Woodville Historical Museum, 107 E. Main St., Woodville, is operated by the Woodville Historical Society, the museum features printed materials and artifacts documenting the rich history of the small village located on the banks of the Portage River about 20 miles east of Toledo.
Once part of the Great Black Swamp, Woodville was founded in 1836 and has transformed from wilderness to a bustling, modern village. Among other topics, museum visitors can learn about the 1900s oil boom, Indians in the Woodville area, lime plants, early schools, and the Lake Shore Electric rail system that once traveled between Toledo and Cleveland.
The museum is open Wednesday and Friday afternoons from 2 to 4 p.m. March through December. Call 419-849-3920 for info.
Wood Co. history
The Wood County Historical Center is located on a 50-acre site at 13660 County Home Rd., a half-mile east of the U.S. 6/I-75 interchange south of Bowling Green.
A history museum is housed in the former county infirmary and offers memorabilia about the county’s origins as well as a working farm and a working oil well derrick that demonstrate the county’s beginnings. In addition, the center houses a number of exhibits and annually offers a variety of special programs, including a series of Victorian teas, Wood County Day, and holiday decorating.
Through June 10, see “Key Ingredients: America by Food,” a Smithsonian traveling exhibit will be on display through June 10. The center also offers, “From the Swamp to the Open Road: Wood County Driving Tour,” a CD that includes guided driving tour across the county.
Call 419-352-0967 or visit www.woodcountyhistory.org for info.
Fort Meigs
Fort Meigs State Memorial Park, located off River Road (SR 65) overlooking the Maumee River in Perrysburg, is a replica of the largest walled-fort in America. Under the command of future President William Henry Harrison, Fort Meigs helped defend the Northwest Territory against attacks by the British and the Native Americans during the War of 1812.
Special events planned include a Memorial Day celebration; a British car show June 3; Independence Day Celebration at 2 p.m. and more. Call 419-874-4121 or visit www.fortmeigs.org for info.
All Aboard!
Board the Blue Bird train at Grand Rapids, Ohio, for a 15-mile round trip on the tracks of the Toledo, Lake Erie & Western Railway and Museum, Inc., once part of the Cloverleaf Division of the Nickel Plate Road.
The 90-plus minute round trip ride takes passengers back to a more casual time when passenger trains where a primary form of transportation. Sit back and enjoy the ride past an original 185 year-old log cabin, then past a 100 year-old horse barn as you continue your journey over the last remaining 10 miles of track from one of America's most prestigious railroads. Special events planned include a Presidential Train with Abraham Lincoln, Magical Train Ride with Foop the Clown, Wreck on the Wabash with Laurie Dickens, and more.
Call 1-866-63-TRAIN or visit www.tlew.org for hours and ticket information.
Canal travel
Providence Metropark, located along US 24 near Grand Rapids, offers an opportunity for visitors to step back in time and ride aboard a working canal boat pulled by horses along a restored section of the former Miami and Erie canal. The ride includes a trip through a restored canal lock. Along the way, the canal boat passes by the Ludwig Mill & General Store, which features a working, water-powered gristmill.
Hours are May through Memorial Day and Labor Day through October Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Memorial Day through Labor Day Wednesday through Friday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and weekends and holidays from noon to 4 p.m.
Group trips and charters available. Call 419-407-9741 for fares and other info or visit www.metroparkstoledo.com.
Edison remembered
Thomas Edison was born and lived in Milan his first seven years from 1847-1854. Along with the Edison Birthplace home, a separate museum, the Milan Historical Museum has been the repository of Edison memorabilia.
The Milan Historical Museum is comprised of a seven-building complex on one acre of beautiful grounds. Visit the 1846 Galpin House featuring 1,500 piece Mowry Glass Collection, 1843 restored Sayles Home, Doll & Toy House, international treasures and needlework in the Newton Building, General Store, Blacksmith Shop-Carriage Shed, gift store and visitors center. The museum will host a non-juried quilt show and exposition July 8. Call 419-499-2968 or visit www.milanhistory.org.
Then tour Edison’s Birthplace, which includes Edison’s boyhood home, displays of his accomplishments and more. Hours are June, July and August, Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. For info., call 419- 499-2135 or visit www.tomedison.org.
Farm of yesteryear
Sauder Village, 22511 SR 2 off Ohio Turnpike exit 25 at Archbold, is a working farm from the 19th Century, which also has an historic village of working craftsmen from the period, including a butcher shop, candlemaker, printer and more.
The complex features “Little Pioneers Homestead,” – a special “Please-Touch” area created especially for kids, an inn, restaurant, exhibit hall, bakery, and campground. The village hosts numerous special events over the year, including a Gospel Music Concert June 9; Focus on Fiber Arts June 23; Fiddle Contest & Summer on the Farm July 14 and more. Call 1-800-590-9755 or visit www.saudervillage.org for info.
Stepping back
Historic Lyme Village, 5001 SR 4, Box 342 Bellevue, includes an 1880s Victorian Mansion, an 1836 family home, log homes, barns, a one-room school, general store and more. The village is also home to the National Postmark Museum, the Schug Hardware Museum and a gift shop. Open June, July and August Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays only in September and October, 1 to 4 p.m. For more info, call 419-483-4949 or visit www.lymevillage.com.
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