208 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 208
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CHAPTER XVI
SANDUSKY (CONTINUED)
CEDAR POINT
In 1821, Peninsula Point, a promontory jutting out toward Cedar Point from the shore this side of
Marblehead, was a prominent landmark. The water of the lake flowed into the bay through a
narrow strait, not over 100 rods wide, formed by the projecting points. One of the oldest
inhabitants of the city, Mr. B. F. Dwelle, would tell of standing on Peninsula Point with his rifle,
and shooting at geese on Cedar Point. At this time the point in question rose above the water's
level fifteen feet in great sand banks where foxes burrowed and raised their young. These banks
were just in the rear of the sloping beach and beyond lay a strip of tall timber land, with a stretch
of prairie reaching out to the other shore.. Then the water began to encroach on the point, and a
marsh was formed that threatened to break off the peninsula from the mainland. A crib of rocks
and sand at considerable outlay of labor and capital was constructed to save it, but it was useless,
and point and crib went under together, and sand banks and trees were lost to view beneath the
rolling waves. At the present time where the bold peninsula reared its head fifteen feet above the.
water, the waves of old Lake Erie lie from six to ten feet in depth. In 1867 Mr. Dwelle walked
across this spot on the ice forty or fifty rods from shore, and saw through the transparent ice the
remains of the old crib.
Cedar Point was then a bit of wild land seven miles long, sheltering by its long arms Sandusky
Bay. It was covered with timber and a sandy beach edged the shore. There was at that time no
large amount of navigation on the lake, and no lighthouse reared its head on the point to warn of
danger.
The Sandusky Clarion of January 30, 1830, contains the following advertisement : "For Sale
:—All of that valuable tract of land commonly called and known by the name of Cedar
Point—this point of land in all 1200 acres, (one of the peninsulas that form Sandusky Bay,)
embraces many advantages to the speculator or- farmer, it being principally covered with cedar,
pine, oak, elm, white wood, basswood, and other timber, not necessary to mention; together with
two prairies, where can be cut with ease one hundred tons of hay. The pine grove is young and
thrifty. And a good part of the cedar is fit for staves and shingles—the land fit for cultivation
after having been cleared is about 80 acres. The fishing ground is probably the best within the
boundary of the spacious harbor of Sandusky Bay—call and see—F. Devoe."
HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 209
At that time Sandusky did not contain over forty houses and 300 population and Mr. Devoe was
a man of some prominence in the village. He was clerk of the first election of the city and later
taught school. The Clarion of the 5th day of November, 1823, contains an advertisement by him
that, unless he is paid by the children he taught, he will place the account in the hands of an agent
for collection. Later he kept a general store.
Mr. Devoe may have had prophetic insight, but he was surely a prophet without honor in his own
country. The Clarion of March 6, 1830, notes the sale of Cedar Point by Mr. Devoe, and there the
matter rests until October 12, 1839, when at sheriff's sale A. M. Porter, afterward the proprietor
of the Steamboat Hotel, bought 440 acres appraised at $439.22 for $292.80 ; after that for nearly
ten years the old newspaper files do not mention Cedar Point. There is a deed recorded in
Volume 14, page 408, of Huron County Record, of deeds from Stephen Hills to Elijah H.
Kimball, dated November 4, 1837, conveying 1,072 acres of land for $2,000, and later the same
premises were sold by the executors of A. M. Porter to W. S. Person for $1,675.
On March 17, 1849, Mr. Porter advertises that all persons wishing to fish on Cedar Point must
pay him one-eighth of the catch, and then the records are again silent until August 6, 1862, when
the Register announces that a lighthouse is being built on Cedar Point, which was probably a
successor to the one built in 1840. As late as the 12th of August, 1889, the Register describes
Cedar Point in an article by Emily Houton as until recently covered with brush. A few years
before this there was a small house on the east side of the point.
About 1840 the lighthouse was built, and later the range lights were placed in the vicinity, one at
the mouth of the bay and two inside, forming a series of lights well known to all pilots and
navigators on Lake Erie.
In 1882 B. F. Dwelle leased the point from its owners, Mrs. Adolph and Mr. Stoll, and proceeded
to make improvements upon it with a view to attracting pleasure-seekers to its shores. The first
thing to be done was to build a dock where boats could land their passengers, and then a
steamboat began making trips across. After partially clearing a part of the land, a walk was built
across from the bay to the lake, a house was erected on the side near the bay, and later bathing
houses were put up on the lake shore, and Sanduskians began to enjoy their resort by forming
parties and excursions to Cedar Point. Mr. Dwelle expended $5,000 on Cedar Point, paying no
rental for the first season, a moderate amount for the second, with the same rate of increase each
year for the five of his lease. All this time the resort grew in favor. The steamboat Hayes made
frequent trips and the bay was aflutter with white-winged sailing vessels through the summer
months. So popular did Cedar Point become that boats could scarcely be supplied to meet the
demand, and newer and better sailing craft were added to the stock on hand.
In the case of Sloan vs. Biemiller, 34 O. S. 492, the question of the right of fishing and landing
on Cedar Point came before the Supreme Court, and the plaintiff brought suit to quiet his title
and to enjoin the
Vol. 4
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BATHING BEACH
HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 211
defendant from interfering with certain fishing rights claimed by the plaintiff, which rights were
denied by the Supreme Court. The decision of the Supreme Court and the statement of the case
shows that as late as 1878 practically the only value there was in Cedar Point was in connection
with the fishing rights, which the Supreme Court found had been leased from October, 1849, up
to the time of the decisionIor fishing purposes except when the owners fished themselves. No
mention is made anywhere in the case of any other value.
The first mention of Cedar Point as a resort occurs in the Register of June 24, 1884, where the
Register describes a trip on the R. B. Hayes, in company with B. F. Dwelle, and the cleaning up
of the underbrush and the moving of the bathing houses from the bay side over to the lake, where
there were then sixteen bathing houses. Seats and swings are described as scattered everywhere
with tables for lunches. On the bay side was a restaurant kept by John Butts, and above the dining
hall a dancing room.
The Register of January 26, 1888, mentions D. L. Stem, of Toledo, coming here with plans for
buildings on Cedar Point, and on December 31, 1897, the Cedar Point Pleasure Resort Company
is mentioned as incorporated under the laws of Indiana, with a capital stock of $250,000, the
original holders being A. J. Stoll, Charles Batz, Jacob Kuebeler, Louis Adolph and B. F. Dwelle.
Of these A. J. Stoll is the only one alive, and, with the exception of the holdings of the Kuebeler
estate, the property on Cedar Point largely increased in value has passed into other hands. For
several years under the present management its nat-. ural advantages have been improved by art
and thoroughly advertised, so that it has a patronage for a range of several hundred miles in all
directions. It has become noted as a convention point, and is sometimes called the Atlantic City
of the West because of its unexcelled natural bathing advantages.
SANDUSKY HOTELS
In the year 1817 Cyrus W. Marsh erected a dwelling house near a building put up by W. B. Smith
and later built a front portion to the house and opened the first hotel in the town, known as
Marsh's Steamboat Hotel. This building is still standing and has been known as the Veranda
Hotel, Raymond's Hotel, Scott's American and the New Lake House, and is now vacant.
The second hotel is advertised in the Clarion of February 19, 1823, as A. Root's Hotel, next the
store kept by 0. & L. Cook. It is advertised as the tavern kept at the Sign of the Ohio
Coat-of-arms. On March 31, 1827, Moors Farwell advertised the tavern for sale, and on October
13, 1827, it is advertised as the Portland House at the Sign of the Golden Lamb, with C. F. Drake
as proprietor, and that the stage line leaves from that point. Colonel' Drake was a very eccentric
gentleman of the old school, quite large, stood very straight, and had a very dignified and
pompous manner of speech. On September 15, 1827, he advertises he
212 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY
has bought the tavern kept by Col. Abram Root. This hotel was where the Register Building now
stands, and in the fall of 1827 it is again offered for sale by Moors Farwell. On January 11, 1831,
it is advertised by Henry Victor for rent, and on March 22, 1832, offered for sale by F. D. Parish.
On August 31, 1831, the Steamboh Hotel, with Sprague & Garrett as proprietors, advertises it as
opposite the steamboat landing and only sixty feet from low water. On August 15, 1832, George
Garrett becomes sole proprietor.
On June 18, 1834, the Portland House, formerly run by John Turk, is advertised as opened by B.
Gustin.
On May 25, 1844 (two years after Dickens' visit), A. M. Porter is advertised as beginning his
career as landlord of the Steamboat Hotel.
On June 1, 1844, T. H. Paul advertises the Empire House at Franklin and Market streets, still
standing and the building where the Bloker family for many years kept a boarding house.
On January 17, 1843, the hotel, Colt's Rxchange, which was the hotel where Dickens stopped in
1842, is advertised for the first time and mentioned as run by R. E. Colt. The Steamboat Hotel is
announced as run by Charles Rude.
On November 2, 1844, Colt was still running the Exchange, and Calvin Hooban was running
another hotel on Water Street called the Farmers Hotel, which on December 21, 1844, is
announced as moved to the corner of Adams and Decatur streets, where later Adam Oehm for
many years kept a store.
On December 1, 1846, the Townsend House, then the crack hotel of the town, was opened by
Charles Patrick.
On April 24, 1848, the Clarion publishes the list of guests at the Veranda and Exchange hotels,
running about thirty or forty a day. This publication stops May 31, 1848.
On July 17, 1848, McKenster & Boynton, then proprietors of the Exchange, are announced by
the Clarion as providing for dinner that day (and not on the European plan) lobsters from Boston,
Mackinaw trout from Lake Superior, peaches, apples and peas from Louisville, and green corn
and tomatoes from Cincinnati.
In March, 1849, the Exchange was operated by McKenster, Groff & Co.
On May 24, 1850, the Clarion quotes the Cleveland Herald and True Democrat as saying the
Sandusky hotels do not rob the public.
The Register of October 27, 1851, states that A. M. Porter has leased the Townsend House, and
C. F. Drake has become proprietor of the Veranda Hotel.
On March 18, 1852, the Register announces that the Townsend House has been bought by J. M.
Harrison, of Springfield, and P. G. Geillette, of Columbus, and that on St. Patrick's Day the firm
of W. Wetherell & Co. astonished the natives by sending to the Register office a bundle of
vegetables, the first in the market. The Register states that it was
HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 213
really refreshing to see lettuce, radishes, etc., when the ground was still covered with snow.
These vegetables came from Cincinnati.
In 1853 the Veranda Hotel was called the Pavilion Hotel and was run by E. J. Jack. Colt 's
Exchange had become the St. Lawrence Hotel, and the Bay City Hotel was on Wayne Street. The
West House was in process of erection and stood for a long time with the roof on but without
doors or windows. Two wags one Sunday morning fastened a placard on the walls, "This house
open to the public."
The Townsend Hotel was now known as the Mississippi Hotel.
In 1855 the city had twelve hotels. In June, 1864, the Townsend House was burned while still
under the proprietorship of Colonel Colt.
In 1880 the Sloane House was built, and since that time, together with the West House, has been
the leading hotel of the city until the 1st of May, 1912, when the Riegger Hotel opened, and,
because of the closing of the West House, has divided the business with the Sloane House, both
of which hotels are a credit to the city.
MARKET PLACES
This is perhaps the most appropriate manner of designating these two localities, for should they
be called "The Markets." The presumption would at once arise that the city was possessed of
such places wherein was transacted business incident to market places in general, but such seems
not now to be the case ; that is, so far as this city is concerned.
It will be remembered that the proprietors, Wildman, Mills and Hoadley, in their plat of the city
made in the year 1818, mentioned two separate parcels which they dedicated to the prospective
city in the words following : "The two open spaces on Market street, marked BB, are
appropriated as and for Public Market grounds, and forever to remain for that purpose and for no
other."
In due course of time the city, or as it then was, town, became sufficiently large to warrant the
erection of buildings for the purpose indicated in the dedication. The first record mention of
official action in this direction by the authorities of the town was made in the year 1835, and
thereafter the buildings were erected by citizens of the town. They were frame structures, one
story in height, with a projecting roof, and in dimensions about 30 by 50 feet. Each lot was
provided with a market house, and it was not until about 1870 that they were removed. A solitary
hay scale then marked the spot where for many years stood what was known as the East Market ;
while on the other site stood a substantial stone building erected for the express purpose of a
"market house," but a later idea seemed inclined to make the building useful for an additional
purpose, notwithstanding the clear language of the dedication. The proposition to use this site for
a city hall went before the people for determination but it was defeated overwhelmingly.
A subsequent council, however, submitted to the people a proposition to erect a market house on
the lot, and that was carried. As was provided, this was to be a one-story building, 40 by 200 feet
in size ; but
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STREET SCENE, SANDUSKY
HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 215
after the work had progressed somewhat the council determined to add a second story, which was
done at an additional cost of about $4,000, the original contract being $10,000. The question then
arose whether such an occupancy would not work a forfeiture of the land and building, and the
matter finally reached the court, where a const ru ction was put upon the dedication and it was
held that such a use of the building would not subject the city to a forfeiture of the land. The
matter being finally settled, the building was completed and the upper story, was equipped for
city offices. The lower portion was used as a market place for several years, but finally this was
discontinued. On Tuesday morning, March 25, 1913, the building was completely destroyed by
fire. The debris has been cleared away, and the west market space, like the east, again stands
vacant as in former years.
The vacant spaces on East and West Market streets were for a long time used for market, and the
Register of October 6, 1851, thus describes their appearance on that day :
"Seldom have we seen a more ample or choice display of meats than that exhibited at the east
market this morning. Beef, pork, mutton, lamb, etc., were so perplexingly arrayed on either side
that it would take an epicure to select his favorite part.
"It may not be generally known to our citizens that Messrs. Lindsley & Bell have amply provided
themselves with choice stock of all kinds, the first display of which we witnessed this morning.
They have taken great pains to get the best stock, and we have reason to believe that they will
regularly furnish our people with that great desideratum good tender fresh meats.
"Mr. Bradridge, formerly on Wayne Street, now occupies the south side of the east market, and
his assortment forms no small part of the fine display noticed above. His urbanity and
promptness may always be relied upon."
THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
This department of the local government was organized almost as soon as the town was created,
although under a name and style somewhat different from that which entitles this sketch. It is
found that in the year 1825 Lemuel Robinson was appointed town marshal, and in , him was
invested the police authority of the place. But as the population of the town increased it was
found necessary to enlarge this department. In the year 1854 the council adopted an ordinance in
pursuance of the act of the Legislature, passed May 3, 1852, and relating to incorporated villages,
by which the powers and duties of the marshal were defined, and further providing for the
appointment of deputies of the marshal to such number as would insure protection against law
breakers.
Under this protection the city lived until the ordinance of 1870, by which the department was
reorganized and provision made for policemen and night watchmen. From 1825 until 1870 the
following named persons acted as marshals of Sandusky : 1825-26, Lemuel S. Robinson ;
216 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY
1827-28, Charles F. Drake ; 1829-30, Augustus Cooke, 1830-31-32-33, Elijah E. Clemons ; 1834
to 1841, inclusive, Roswell J. Jennings ; 1842, Charles F. Drake ; 1843-44, George W. Smith ;
1845, Alonzo Wade, Francis W. Pomeroy ; 1846, ; 184,7-48, William Benschoter ; 1849,
William Spaulding ; 1850-51-52, Oliver tiee ; 1853 (elected), James E. Mygatt; 1854-55, Oliver
Rice ; 1856, Andrew Casey ; 1857-58, Enoch Weller ; 1859, Patrick Herr ; 1860, George
Littleton ; 1861-62, William R. Chapman; 1863-64, Samuel C. Wheeler ; 1865, Samuel Currie ;
1866, Frank L. Myers; 1867-68-69, Thomas Muldowrey.
The ordinance of 1870 provided for the appointment by the mayor, by and with the advice and
consent of the city counsel, of one chief watchman, and one person from each ward to perform
the duties of policeman and night watchman, each to hold office for one year. The same
ordinance also provided for the like appointment of five persons from each ward as a reserved
watch, subject to duty if called upon by resolution of the council.
But this ordinance by no means abolished the office of marshal, but continued the same as
established by the ordinance of 1854, and modified by that of 1871, which latter law materially
abridged his powers and duties.
Under the provisions of the ordinance adopted on the 2d day of February, 1880, and amended
June 6, 1882, the department of police was organized. By the terms of this local enactment it was
provided that there shall be nominated in writing by the mayor of said city, at the first meeting of
the new council in each and every year, for their approval, twelve persons as policemen and night
watchmen, who shall hold such position for the term of. one year, unless sooner removed for
cause, etc. Also that one of the persons so nominated shall be designated as captain. A further
section also provides for the compensation to be paid the captain and policemen.
The present force of police of the city consists of one marshal, a captain of police and eleven
patrolmen.
THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
It was back as early as the year 1830 and at a time that the town of Sandusky had a population of
less than 500 persons, and when there were not even seventy buildings within its limits, that
measures were taken to provide for security against loss by fire. At a meeting of the town
council, held in the latter part of February of that year, an ordinance was adopted providing for
the organization and discipline of regular fire companies, as understood at that day, whose
experience and knowledge in the proper course rendered their assistance highly important and
useful.
For the proper organization of this primitive fire brigade the town was divided into two wards, to
be known as Nos. 1 and 2, being separated by Columbus Avenue. The mayor was authorized to
and did comply with the ordinance of the council by appointing Henry H. Wilcox-
HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 217
sen as chief fireman ; James Hollister as fire warden number one of Ward No. 1; William Kelley
as fire warden number two of Ward No. 1; Erastus Gregg as fire warden number one of Ward
No. 2 ; and Ezra Wells as fire warden number two of Ward No. 2; Isaac Carling and ]floors
Farwell as the committee of safety of Ward No. 2. Also Cyrus W. Marsh as captain of the fire
company of Ward No. 1, and Elias Hand as captain of the fire company in Ward No. 2. Josiah W.
Hollister was appointed first engineer, and Amos Patterson as second engineer in Ward No. 1,
while John Chestnut and John Mumford were to perform the same duties respectively in Ward
No. 2.
A further provision was made that men be enlisted for each company, and that each man should
provide himself with one substantial bucket, and in case of fire to appear "equipt" with his
bucket. This was the original fire and bucket brigade of the Town of Sandusky, and from the
number of men appointed to positions of rank therein, it would seem that every man in the place
was in some manner connected with the department. One bucket and one hook was afterward
provided for each company, and to be paid for out of the funds of the town. From this outlay it is
not surprising that Sandusky has a large bonded indebtedness.
During the latter part of the year 1834 the subject of the purchase of a more approired and
suitable means of fighting fire was under discussion, but it was not until February of the
following year that the desire was consummated. The council then appointed Thomas T. White
and John Wheeler a select committee to make the purchase. They entered into negotiations with
James Smith of New York City, and that person offered to sell the town a hand engine of such
pattern as was then in use in his city for the sum of $750. The finances of the town were then in a
somewhat reduced condition, and voluntary subscriptions by the citizens of the town were
received, and this, with the funds in the treasury, was used and the purchase made. This engine
was named Ogontz, and the company that manned it was called Ogontz Fire Company No. 1.
In 1839, with the growth of the town it was thought desirable to make some further provision for
this branch of municipal service ; so the council, on the 7th of February, passed an ordinance
providing for more efficient means of safety and security of the citizens against fire, and elected
officers for the department as follows : Foster M. Follett, chief engineer ; Ebenezer B. Sadler,
assistant engineer ; and William W. Witherell, William B. Smith, Page M. Ring, A. H. Barber,
Abner Root and Isaiah W. Hollister as fire wardens.
In the year 1848 there was organized a new company which was provided by the council to
contain not less than forty, nor more than sixty men, to be designated as "Buckeye Company
Number 2" and for this company was purchased the engine that was named "Buckeye." Not long
after this a hook and ladder company was organized. In 1853 Hornet Company Number 3 was
formed.
Thus well equipped and organized for business the city seemed
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WEST HOTEL
HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 219
well provided against a severe fire loss. To make the old hand engines available wells were dug
in various parts of the city from which water was to be taken. In 1858 the officers of the
department were F. C. Ford, chief engineer ; Enoch Weller, first assistant ; Charles. Ruemmelle,
second assistant. In 1859 Foster M. Follett was chief, Casper J. Parsons, first assistant, and
William Cook, second assistant. In 1860 Enoch , Weller was chief, Casper J. Parsons, first, and
William Cook second assistant engineer.
But the time came when the old hand engines, like all other ancient. contrivances, must give
place to more modern inventions. In 1865 the council, assisted by the contributions of citizens,
made a purchase of a steam engine of the Amoskeag manufacture. Three years later a Silsby
engine was purchased, and again in 1869, another of the same pattern. With this improved
apparatus and the purchase of a hook and ladder truck it became necessary to reorganize the
whole department, and the council wisely concluded to make it a paid department. By their
ordinance, passed May 27, 1872, it was provided that each engineer should receive $60, and each
minute-man $10 per month. Richard C. Cuthbert was elected chief engineer.
This ordinance, with some subsequent amendments, remained in force and by it the department
was governed until the ordinance as passed and amended in 1884 came into effect. This provided
that the fire department "shall consist of three hose companies, and one - hook and ladder
company. Each of said hose companies shall be composed of six men, and said hook and ladder
company shall be composed of seven men. One of said men in each hose company shall be
known as plugrnan, one as teamster and the other four as minute men. One of the men of said
hook and ladder company shall be known as captain, one a teamster and the other five men as
minute men. The hose carts and hook and ladder truck shall have one hose each." The
compensation provided to be paid wider this ordinance was: Each plug: man, $45 per month ;
each teamster, $45 per month; each minute-man, $10 per month.
The Ogontz Engine Fire Company was a feature of early Sandusky life. A wit named Jim.
Gibeaut claimed the name was appropriate because Ogontz was a fire water Indian and the
Ogontz was a fire water, engine too.
Sandusky's first volunteer fire company was organized September 24, 1854, and was known as
Rescue Fire Company No. 2. Another company was organized by the Fifth Ward citizens April
12, 1872. Back in the 60's No. 1 Company Volunteers was located on Hancock Street. Among
the early apparatus was a hand engine located at the Five Points, and one manned by the Tigers
No. 5 Company at Hesse Castle. On December 23, 1883, all volunteer hose companies were
abolished, and their furniture was sold. Since the organization of the department the number of
calls has run from 40 to 89 in a year.
The Central Station was completed and occupied September 30,
220 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY
1890. It cost $40,000; and is a stone building three stories high. There are three engine houses in
different parts of the city.
MUNICIPAL IMPROVEMENTS
In public improvements, Sandusky has kept pace with the times. Public buildings, waterworks
extensions, street paving and sewers have been constructed and added to as the growth of the city
demanded and no Ohio city of its size can boast more or better public works.
The city's buildings consist of a city hall, located on Market Street, between Decatur and Locust
streets, in which are located nearly all city offices; a central fire and police station, near the
corner of Columbus Avenue and Market Street ; the waterworks and filtration plant, at the foot of
Washington Street; four outlying fire stations, well distributed, and a modern greenhouse, in
Huron Park, where all of the flowers and plants used for the ornamentation .of the parks are
raised and kept during the cold season, from which the superintendent of parks draws his supply
for the summer.
Added to these are the courthouse, in the center of one entire square opposite Washington Park ;
the high school building opposite East Washington Park ; Carnegie Library, at the corner of
Columbus Avenue and Adams Street, and the county jail, opposite the courthouse on Adams
Street. All of these structures are built of Sandusky blue limestone and are handsomely designed.
Within the next year a new and commodious high school will be added to the group about the
Central Park and extensive additions are now being made to the filtration plant.
The most important of the public works of the city are, of course, the waterworks and the sewer
system. The former, operated from a plant having a capacity of 17,000,000 gallons daily, delivers
filtered water to every part of the city and to the Soldiers' Home and county infirmary, located
outside of the city limits. The plant is equipped with a Holly pumping engine of 10,000,000
gallons capacity and a Worthington engine of 7,000,000 gallons capacity. As the consumption
has never risen to the full capacity of the plant, or of either of the engines, but one of these is
used-at a time, and the duplication of the plant insures a steady supply of water regardless of
accidents to either of the engines.
Connected with the waterworks plant is the filtration .plant with a present capacity of 6,000,000
gallons daily. This will soon be increased to 10,000,000 or more. All of the water delivered to the
people is chemically filtered and daily analyses show it to be practically pure.
The sewer system covers the entire city, with numerous outlets into Sandusky Bay. Within a few
year an intercepting system will he installed and all of the sewage will be disposed of in a
bacteriological disposal plant. This is one of the most important improvements on the list of
those contemplated.
Sandusky has sixteen miles of paved streets, mostly with sheet asphalt, all of the main
thoroughfares of the city being paved. All
HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 221
other streets are macadamized and oiled. There are 80 miles of stone and concrete sidewalks.
Provision has already been made for the elimination of three of the grade crossings over the Lake
Shore and Michigan Southern Railway (New York Central) tracks in the southern portion of the
city. Engineers for the city and railway company are now at work on the plans and the work will
go forward as speedily as possible. This improvement will open up for residence purposes a large
section of the city now thinly settled.
MAYORS
The following persons have served as mayor of Sandusky : Moorg Farwell, George Anderson,
John Wheeler, John Turk, Joseph M. Root, John Beatty, Samuel B. Caldwell, John N. Sloane,
Ebenezer B. Sadler, W. N. Wetherell, Zenas W. Barker, Ebenezer Warner, John M. Brown,
Horatio Wildman, Foster M. Follett, Charles Cross, George W. Smith, John G. Miller, William
S. Pierson, Obadiah C. McClouth, Ferdinand Geiersdorf, Philander Gregg, George D. Daniel,
William H. Wilson, Rush R. Sloane, William B. H. Hunt, James L. Dewitt, William B. II. Hunt,
Charles Bouton, John Molter, George Lehrer and Jacob G: Dietz.
PUBLIC OFFICIALS AND ORGANIZATIONS IN SANDUSKY IN 1915
Auditor—Fred W. Bauer.
Board of Control—Hon. Jacob Dietz, John J. Molter, Edmund Savord.
Board of Health—Hon. Jacob Dietz, president ; Dr. Charles Graefe, Dr. C. B. Bliss, Dr. J. K.
Douglas, E. Lea Marsh, A. Royer.
Dairy and Meat Inspector—Dr. J. W. Reeder.
Health Officer—Dr. Henry Graefe, Jr.
Plumbing Inspector—Gustave Scheib.
Registrar of Vital Statistics—Fay W. Kilbourne.
Sanitary Police—John McDermott, W. L. Slate.
Visiting Nurse—Helen M. Hart.
City Detention Hospital—W. F. Gillespie, care taker, 619 Fifth Street.
City Physician—Dr. J. S. McClelland.
City Offices—Kingsbury Block.
Council—President, Emil Grob. Clerk, Edward C. Wagner. Members at large, J. Frank
Donahue, Charles Kubach, J. C. Parsons. Ward members : 1, C. Webb Sadler ; 2, Charles
Gundlach ; 3, Edwin Seebach ; 4, Carl Wilke.
Department of Public Safety—Director, Edmind Savord. Fire department: Chief, Albert Hegemer
; assistant, Alexander RotzingeT. Police department : Chief, Charles A. Weingates ; captain,
John Kennedy.
Department of Public Service—Director, John J. Molter. Superintendent of parks, Jacob Roth.
Superintendent of streets, Andrew Rohrbacher. Waterworks department : Acting superintendent,
John J. Molter ; chief clerk, Edward C. Wagner.
222 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY.
BIRDSEYE VIEW, SANDUSKY
HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY - 223
Mayor—Jacob G. Dietz ; vice, Emil Grob.
Sinking Fund Trustees—John Quinn, president.; Charles H. Zimmerman, William F. Seitz,
James Flynn, Sr., Fred W..Bauer, secretary.
Treasurer—Robert A. Koegele.
HOSPITALS
Good Samaritan Hospital, 140 Van Buren Street—Trustees Hon. Thomas M. Sloane, Watson
Butler. Advisory board : President, Mrs. Fred Ohlemacher ; vice president, Mrs. Martin Klenk ;
secretary, Elizabeth Graefe ; treasurer, Mrs. James Sawyer. Board of managers : Rev. E. G.
Mapes, Mozart. Gallup, A. L. Marsh. Rev. T. J. C. Stellhorn, Willard A. Bishop, George P.
Parker, Charles R. Melville.
Providence Hospital, 1002 Hayes Avenue—Chaplain, Rev. F. J. Pfyle ; superior, Sister Eugene ;
assistant and superintendent of nurses, Sister Aurelia.
SOCIETIES
Business Girls' Christian Association—Bessie Taylor, president ; Kath-' erine Wirth, vice
president ; Anna Nier, secretary ; Minnie Barnett, treasurer.
Daughters of the American Revolution—Martha Pitkin Chapter : Mrs. John T. Mack, regent ;
Mrs. G. F. Anderson, vice regent ; Mrs. E. Alstaetter, secretary ; Miss Abbie Woolworth,
treasurer.
Eagles—Sandusky Aerie No. 444, F. 0. E.: Henry Hart, W. P. ; Jacob Dietz, secretary ; Jacob
Leser, treasurer.
Elks—Sandusky Lodge No. 285, B. P. 0. E.: John A. Himmelein, E. R. ; George Doerzbach,
secretary ; John D. Mack, treasurer.
The Erie County Agricultural Society—W. P. Scheid, president ; F. H. Zerbe, secretary ; John
Quinn, treasurer.
Erie County Medical Association—Dr. William Storey, Castalia, president; Dr. Henry Grade,
secretary-treasurer.
Grand Army of the Republic—McMeens Post No. 19: E. D. Hawley. Com. ; George W. Bender,
Q. M.; Josh. B. Davis, Chap.
Knights of Columbus—Sandusky Council No. 546: Fred C. Printy, G. K. ; B. T. Gagen, R. S. ;
George F. Leingang, F. S. ; 0: E. Kaufmann, treasurer.
Knights and Ladies of Honor—Progress Lodge No. 1488 Carl Kautz, Prot. ; Mrs. Theresa. Barz,
F. S.: John H. Gerold, treasurer.
Knights of Pythias—Sandusky Lodge No. 128: Hayes M. Adams, C. C. ; John Gerold, M. of E. ;
A. C. Clcse, K. of R. & S. ; Henry Reitter, M. of F. Uniform Rank, Garfield Co. No. 13: H. J.
Close, captain ; Robert Lange, recorder ; Charles C. Fuchs, treasurer. Pythian Sisters, Zone
Temple No. 86 : Mrs. Louis Pitzer. M. E. C. ; Mrs. William Wagner, M. of R. ; Mrs. Bert Ward,
F. K.
Maccabees—Bay View Tent No. 664: Mrs. Agnes Payne, Com. ; Mrs. Gertrude Bruno, R. K. ;
Mrs. Minnie Curtis, F. K. F. W. Stephens Tent No. 1293: Hayes Adams, Com. ; Charles
Linkenbach, F. K. 'Protection
224 - HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY
Tent No. 7 : Joseph Andres, Com.; George C. Zimmerman, R. K. Reeves Hive No. 9, L. O. T.
M.: Margaret Pfefferkorn, Com. ; Mrs. Margaret Coe, R. K. ; Louisa Lechler, F. A. Sandusky
City Hive No. 101, L. O. T. M.: Mary Ohlemacher, L. C. ; Anna Milne, R. K. ; Bessie Wheeler,
F. A.
Masonic Science Lodge No. 50, F. & A. M.: W. M. Charles N. Ebert, secretary-treasurer.
Perseverance Lodge No. 329, F. & A. M.: W. M. Robert Worden, secretary-treasurer. Sandusky
City Chapter No. 72, R. A. M.: C. M. King, H. P.; Robert Worden, secretary ; F. P. Zollinger,
treasurer. Sandusky City Council No. 26, R. & S. vL : Emil L. Bechstein, T. I. M.; Robert
Worden, recorder ; F. P. Zollinger, treasurer. Erie Commandery No. 23, K. T.: E. C. Robert
Wlorden, recorder-treasurer. Eleanor Chapter No. 331, O. E. S.: Eleanor Frohman, W. M.; Jennie
Farwell Peck, secretary ; Elizabeth Clark, treasurer.
Odd Fellows Lodge No. 669, I. O. O. F.: Fred Hammond, N. G.; B. R. Jameson, R. S. ; William
Kubach, F. S. Erie Encampment No. 27, I. O. O. F.: Edmund Gillett, C. P:; M. N. Sissenwain,
scribe ; John Ehrhardt, treasurer. Sandusky Bay Rebecca Lodge No. 175 : Mrs. Charles J. Seele,
N. G.; Mrs. Alma Knauer, secretary ; Mrs. Elizabeth Williamson, treasurer.
The Sandusky Ad Club—Frank Schnaitter, president ; William H. Dilgart, vice president ; C. G.
Abbey, secretary-treasurer.
Sandusky Business Men's Association—J. J. Dauch, president ; E. M. Vietmeier, vice president ;
J. G. Hauser, secretary ; George A. Scheuer, treasurer.
Sandusky Federation of Women's Clubs—Mrs. A. J. Scheuer, president ; Mrs. E. A. Boyer,
secretary ; Mrs. J. W. Harris, treasurer.
Sandusky Retail Grocers' & Butchers' Association—Frank Wetzler, president ; Frank Windisch,
secretary ; August Thiem, treasurer.
Sandusky Trades and Labor Assembly—Jay C. Mason, president; Frederick L. Butts, recording
secretary ; John Mischler, financial secretary ; Charles Thom, treasurer.
Spanish-American War Veterans—Santa Clara Camp, U. S. W. V,.: Charles E. Stroud, Com. ; L.
D. Lea, adjutant. Erambert Case Camp No. 77, U. S. W. V. ; Oliver V. Cook, Oscar Ocley, S. V.
; Adam Horn, Jr. V. Santa Clara Auxiliary : Mrs. Sarah Doerzbach, president ; Mrs. C. Klemm,
secretary.
Sunyendeand Club—Roy Williams, president ; E. W. Alstaetter, secretary; F. P. Zollinger,
treasurer ; Frank L. Smith, steward.
United Commercial Travelers, Sandusky Council No. 278—A. F. Biemiller.
Women's Christian Temperance Union—Ensign Union : Mrs. Charles Rockwell, president ; Mrs.
John Zook, secrbetary ; Mrs. Charles A. Reeser, treasurer. Post Union : Mrs. A. F. Miller,
president ; Mrs. Esther Deboe, secretary ; Mrs. William Meyers, treasurer.
Women 's Relief Corps—McMeens Corps : Mrs. Jennie Townsend, president ; Mrs. F. H.
Montgomery, secretary ; Mrs. Henrietta Weis, treasurer.