818 - HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.
CHAPTER II.
HOTELS.
FIRST in the provision of means for settlement and development of a new locality or section, comes that for the entertainment of strangers or travelers. In the nature of things, this must precede everything else, since without such provision there could be nothing like a welcome for the new-comers so indispensable to settlement and local progress. The venture at the mouth of Swan Creek was not an exception to this rule. It is safe to say, that at no time after the premature start of Port Lawrence, in 1817, were travelers without accommodations at that point. For such purpose, the "Old Oliver Warehouse," erected in 1817, (see page 466), afforded facilities which seem to have met every real demand. For nearly 15 years after the night of the " house-warming," which signalized its completion, that building constituted the chief place of entertainment within the present limits of Toledo. Especially was this the case in the matter of social gatherings, for which the capacious second story of the building furnished such admirable accommodations for dancing. The first occupant of that building who extended such accommodations, of which we have definite information, was Capt. J. T. Baldwin, who with his family moved into it in 1823. About that time, intercourse and travel through this section became more frequent, demanding corresponding accommodations, and without holding himself out as a hotel-keeper, Capt. Baldwin, with the excellent assistance of his wife, made comfortable such as stopped with him.
An important advance in Port Lawrence hostelry, was made by John Baldwin (son of John T.), about 1828, when in charge of the same quarters, he added the first sign of any sort in that locality, which read: "Tavern. By John Baldwin." After conducting the house for a year or two, and finding business less than he expected, Mr. Baldwin turned his attention wholly to other business, he meantime, in connection with his brother Marquis, having opened a small store.
With the revival of the Port Lawrence enterprise and the contemporary starting of Vistula, the matter of hotel accommodations came to be of prime importance. Information in that connection does not entirely agree ; but diligent enquiry in the most approved quarters seems to establish the record as given below.
The first regular Hotel within the present limits of Toledo, was the Eagle Tavern. It was located on the South side of Summit and near Elm Street; was opened about 1834, with Ira Smith as landlord, and was burned riot long thereafter. In 1837 this house was kept by J. H. Booth. Another house with the same name, was soon opened a few rods to the West. In 1836 Mr. Smith built the large three story brick Hotel at Vienna, Michigan, which was until recently the most costly building in that village. For many years and until the opening of the Railroad, it was used as a Hotel, being the principal stage house between Toledo and Monroe.
The second Hotel was the Mansion House, North side Summit and a little East of Locust. It was opened in 1835, by J. Baron Davis, landlord. This house was largely public headquarters during the "Toledo War," being the place of the stabbing of the Monroe Constable (see page 300). In 1837 this house was kept by Clark. It was a small frame building. In 1839, this house was kept by E. B. Dodd. A portion of the building (now the property of Dr. J. Clark) is occupied as a tenement house, at (old number) 76 Locust Street.
Third in the list stands the National Hotel, opened about 1836, by J. Blin & Co. It was located on the North side of Summit Street (old No. 77). In 1845 it was taken by Lyman T. Thayer, a ho kept it for three years.
The most important advance to that time made in that direction was the opening of the American Hotel (Northwest corner of Summit and Elm Streets), in 1836, by James Browne, who soon was succeeded by Daniel Segur. Dr. It. Graham kept it for a time. In 1851 L T. Thayer became the landlord, and occupied it until 1853, when he leased it to Mahlon Kingman, but resumed charge in 1857, and continued until the destruction of the building by fire in January, 1861.
The Toledo House (Northeast corner of Summit and Perry Streets) was opened about 1836. J. Blin & Co. were proprietors in 1837. In 1842, in preparation fur the opening of the Wabash and Erie Canal, the house was enlarged by the addition of another story, and provided with great wooden columns in front, giving an awkward appearance, and was named the "Indiana Rouse." For many years it was kept by Robert N. Lawton, who previously had kept the American. His widow, Mrs. Susan A. Lawton, who greatly. aided him in his hotelkeeping, continued to reside in Toledo and kept a boarding-house for very many years. The
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opening of the Wabash Carnal in 1843 and of the Miami two years later, gave the house special advantage. It constitutes a prominent feature in the view of Toledo in 1846, as given elsewhere. In 1848 the house was kept by Salter Cleveland, who died at Toledo in 1887.
In 1847 L. T. Thayer fitted up a building (Northeast corner St. Clair and Jefferson Streets), which ho opened as Thayer's Exchange, and which at once took prominent position among the Hotels of the City. After Mr. Thayer withdrew and took charge of the American, this place took the name of Collins House, which it retained until burned about 1860.
About 1847 the Ohio House was opened at 320 Summit Street (old number), by David Johnson. In 1852 it was kept by H. D. & W. Kingsbury, the house then taking the name of the proprietors. Subsequently the senior partner assumed sole management, and continued as such for many years.
In 1850, the first Hotel South of Swan Creek was opened. It bore the name of Broadway Hotel, and was then kept by A. F. Hull.
The opening of the Toledo, Norwalk and Cleveland (now Lake Shore) Railroad in January, 1853, and the transfer of its depot from Water Street to the Middle Ground, in 1855, were followed by the establishment of the Island House, at the latter place. Its primary object was the provision of depot and hotel accommodations fire passengers. It was placed in charge of Roswell P. Ainger, formerly of the Ainger house, Cleveland, who continued in charge until his death in December, 1864, He was succeeded by H. B. Sherman, Terry Brothers, and James Gerrans-the latter being in management when the house was closed on the change of the depot in 1887.
The construction of the Oliver House, which was commenced in 1853, was the most important advance in hotel accommodations that had then been made. The location was fixed by two considerations-its proximity to the Railroad Depot on the Middle Ground, then contemplated, and the benefits the house was expected to confer upon adjoining property. It is located on Broadway and on Charles and Ottawa Streets, presenting 16() feet on Broadway and Charles, and 140 on Ottawa. It is of four stories; has 170 rooms. It was projected by Major Wm. Oliver, whose name it took, but who died before it was built. Its construction was commenced by James C. Hall (son in-law of Maj. Oliver), and Wm. R. Morris, the latter having died before its completion, which took place in June, 1859. On the 15th of that month a meeting of citizens was held at the parlors of the House for the purpose of making arrangements for an entertainment commemorative of the opening of the establishment, when J. M. Ashley was called to the chair, and G. P. Este appointed Secretary. Committees were appointed for carrying out the purpose of the meeting.
The time appointed for the opening of the entertainment was June 29th, when a very large and fashionable assemblage convened, and the affair passed off with special success. The evening was spent chiefly in dancing and social conversation, a supper being served at the proper hour. The lessee of tire house was DeWitt C. Baker, with Geo. Colburn as his assistant. It was kept for several years by Col. John McKenster, who was succeeded by different landlords. The House is yet (1888) in operation, having always maintained a good name at home and abroad.
In 1869, the demand for more adequate hotel accommodations in the City, had become so pressing as to command attention from many leading citizens. To meet such call, steps were, then taken toward the erection of a suitable building. This action was stimulated at that time by the death of James C. Hall, who had previously purchased the Northeast corner of St. Clair and Jefferson Streets (formerly occupied by the Exchange, and subsequently and now by the Hall Block), and commenced excavation for a large Hotel. Steps were taken looking to the carrying out of such purpose through a stock Company. Accordingly, in January, 1870, the Toledo Hotel Company was organized, by the choice of Directors as follows: H. S. Walbridge, S. M. Young, C. H. Coy, R. H. Bell, W. W. Griffith, T. H. Hoag, F. J. King. The officers chosen were: President, F. J. King; Secretary, J. M. Gloyd ; Treasurer, C. 1I. Coy. Steps were at once taken for the erection of the proposed building, for which purpose the Northwest corner of St. Clair and Madison Streets was purchased, being 180x120 feet. The work was completed in 1872, the structure receiving the name of " Boody House," in honor of Azariah Boody, and in special recognition of the important benefits received by Toledo from the construction of the Toledo and Wabash Railroad, so largely due to Mr. Boody's sagacity and enterprise. The building covers the entire lot, and is five stories high. The two Street fronts are of store, the style of architecture throughout being tasteful and imposing. The main hall or saloon is 27x170 feet; the billiard room 40x98; the rotunda on the second floor 40x56; the ladies' parlor (second floor), 20x45; the dining-room, 40x98, and 18 feet high ; and the number of guest-rooms, 133, besides large parlors and suites for families. The building; was leased to Groff & Shears, Mr. Shadrach Groff succeeding to the business in 1873, from which time until 1887 he was lessee and landlord, in which capacity he established and maintained for the House a position among the first hotels of the West. The present lessees are Welch & Hardy. The grounds and buildings cost $303,000. While this investment of capital in its direct returns has not been very remuner-
820 - HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.
ative to the stockholders, the benefits derived from it, in the provision of a first-class hotel, with ample accommodations, have been highly important to the City. The present officers of the Hotel Company are: James G. Hardy, President; F. J. King, Vice President; Isaac E. Haviland, Secretary; J. S. Kountz, Treasurer.
In 1876, Frank J. Scott erected at the Southeast corner of Madison and Ontario, a huge and elegant building, chiefly for the accommodation of families, which took the name of Hotel Madison. It is of the Queen Anne style, with five stories and a basement. It has accommodations for about 40 families, and its appointments are first class throughout. The cost of the property was $72,000. It was opened in 1877, and is now (1888) conducted by Mr. Scott.
The Hotel Hamilton, corner Madison and Superior Streets, was designed, fitted, furnished and opened by H. A. Biossat, in July, 1887, who formerly conducted the Hotel Madison. In November, 1887, Mr. D. D. Grant was admitted as a partner. In April, 1888, an addition was made to the Hotel, making it a (rouse of sixty rooms.
The first Hotel in East Toledo (Sixth Ward) was the Rogers (afterwards the Temperance) House, built by Ambrose H. Rogers, in 1851. The building is yet standing on Front Street, near Oak. Mr. Rogers conducted the business until his death by cholera in 1854, when it was taken by his widow, Mrs. Hannah Rogers, who continued it to very general acceptance of the public, for the period of 32 years, and until 1886, whets it was closed. Mrs. Rogers still resides in East Toledo. She came to the Maumee Valley 60 years ago (1828), and after living four years at Perrysburg, came to what is now within. Toledo in 1832, where she has since remained. Two daughters (Delia and Mary L.) live with her. She is now 72 years of age, and in the enjoyment of excellent health.
The second Hotel in what is now the sixth Ward, was built in 1861, by Stillman and D. A. Brown, and was at first known as "Bull's Head," and afterwards, as now, as " Brown's Hotel." 1t was located near to the Stock Yards of the Lake Shore Railway, and being the only house of the kind in that section, it did a large business. It was kept for two years by the owners, when Harvey Brown succeeded as landlord, he being followed by different managers, Alonzo G. Marshall being now in charge.
Following is a list of Hotels in operation in Toledo in 1887:
Boody House, corner St. Clair and Madison.
Brown's Hotel, Fassett, corner Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway, East Toledo.
Burnett House, corner Summit and Perry.
Covert House, Northwest corner Adams and Superior,
Elm House, 447 Summit.
Empire House, 343 Summit,
Hanner House, corner Washington and Market Space.
Hotel Hamilton, 75-77 Madison, corner Superior.
Hotel Madison, Northeast corner Madison and Ontario.
Hotel Ontario, Ontario, between Madison and Adams.
Hotel Union, Southwest corner St. Clair and Monroe.
Jefferson, The, Northeast corner Jefferson and St. Clair.
Junction House, corner Wayne and Gibbons.
Merchants Hotel, 103 and 105 St. Clair.
Milburn House, Southwest corner Monroe and Milburn Avenue.
Hunch's Hotel, corner Front and Bridge, East Toledo.
Narrow Gauge, 238 Erie.
New England House, 135 Huron.
New York House, 165 and 1698t. Clair.
Oliver House, corner Ottawa and Broadway.
St. James Hotel, Southwest corner Lagrange and Summit.
St. Nicholas Hotel, 413 Summit.
United States Hotel, 36 to 40 Ottawa.
Wabash House, foot of Sumner.
Wyek's Hotel, 2 Bridge.
October 23, 1841, the Toledo City Council ordained the following regulations in regard to runners for Hotels, Stages, Steamboats, &c., to wit:
That no person should " act as a runner for any Hotel, Tavern, Stage, Steam or Canal Boat within the limits of Toledo," except as licensed for such purpose; and that " any orderly, reputable white male inhabitant of the State "might be so licensed, upon payment of 75 cents, and depositing a bond in the sum of $50, for his good behavior-but one person to be licensed for each Hotel, Tavern, &c.
Runners were to wear a band or plate leather indicating the party which he represented. He was to conduct himself with decorum when on duty, placing himself in such position as that the name of the party represented by him should be plainly seen on ins bade, and " there to remain until called for by some person or persons desiring his services." He was not to " run down or discredit any hotel, Tavern, Stage, Steam or Canal Boat ; nor to make any disorderly, obscene or indecent noise or noises; nor to use any profane or boisterous language, nor engage in any quarrels, broils, wrestling or fisticuffs with other Runners of whatever description."
The same source of annoyance had become so serious in May, 1848, that earnest steps were taken for its suppression. To such end, a combined movement was had by Landlords, Steamboat Captains and Agents and citizens, who signed a strong protest against the evil and at the same time pledged themselves to the practice of what has since come to be known as "Boycotting" those who failed to join the movement. Thus, the, Hotel-keepers agreed to "oppose any Steam vessel, by discouraging passengers from traveling on such Boats as employed runners; " Steamboat men to " oppose all II etch-keepers who should not conform to this wholesome and necessary regulation; and citizens to use their best endeavors to stop an evil which tends to check the prosperity of the City." The Forwarding Merchants signing the pledge were E. Haskell & Co., Collins, Brown & Co.
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Field & Ryder, Thos. Watkins, Brownlee, Brown &. Co., A. J. Field, Chas. O'Hara, Henry E. Eagle, Brownlee, Pendleton & Co., Harrison H. Dodd, Simeon Fitch, Jr., Godard & Wiman, Peckham & Scott, D. 13. Smith & Co., T. U. Bradbury.
Again, in September, 1858, this annoyance became so serious as to call fur action by the Council, and at ordinance was passed which provided a penalty of $1.00 to $20.00 for any person who should "ask, solicit or engage any person to repair to any Hotel, Eating House or Grog-Shop, or to take passage on any Steamboat, Stage or Railroad Car, Canal-Boat; or should by shouting, clamor, noise or importunity, endeavor to attract attention of any person to any Steamboat, Canal-Boat, Railway Car, Hotel, Eating-House or Grog-Shop."
This annoyance, so serious in the days of Steamboat traveling, gradually passed away with the advent of Railways, and now is scarcely known in Toledo, though yet existing to some extentt elsewhere.
Arrivals at the Toledo Hotels were first published in the Blade of April 20, 1845, that being the fourth issue of the daily edition of that paper. The Hotels represented in the list were Thayer's Exchange, Lyman T. Thayer, Proprietor; and the Indiana House, James M. Spafford and Samuel Pond, Proprietors-the former reporting 18 and the, latter 12 arrivals during the previous 24 hours. The next day the list was reinforced by the Ohio House, David Johnson, Proprietor, with 22 names. April 25th, appeared the Toledo House, W. Woodward, with 28 arrivals. These constituted the hotels of Toledo at that time.
In October, 1860, the proprietors of the principal Hotels of Toledo had published the following card, which explains itself:
The undersigned, hotel Keepers in the City of Toledo, for the purpose of creating harmony and good feeling among themselves, and maintaining and enforcing proper discipline and control over our employees, pledge ourselves, each to the others, that we will not knowingly hire or permit to be done for us, any employee of any other public house, orally person who has been discharged for improper conduct, or who does not bring a written testimonial or other evidence of good conduct from his or her last employer.
We further agree that we will notify each other with the names of all persons discharged for improper conduct.
LYMAN T. THAYER, American House.
JOHN McKENSTER, Oliver House.
R. P. AINGER, Island House.
WILLIAMS & ALLEN, Kingsbury House.
B. FARLEY, Collins House.
ELISHA WHIPPLE, Whipple House.
Few men have occupied as prominent position among the keepers of Hotels in Toledo, as did Lyman T. Thayer. he was born in Broome County, New York, April 17, 1809, his father being a farmer, and without the means requisite for giving his children more than very moderate educational advantages. The family removed to Palmyra, New York, in 1816, and to Waterloo in 1819, where the father died in 1821. When 13 years old, the son commenced work for a living, and at 15 was employed in a country Store at Vienna, Ontario County, New York. In 1830 he became a partner in the Store. In 1835, he came West, and passing through Toledo settled at Palmyra, Michigan. remaining there until 1841, when he removed to Adrian. In 1843, he came to Toledo, and in 1845 took charge of the National Hotel (77-79 Summit Street), which he refitted and conducted with success until 1847. he then rented a building standing at the Northeast corner of' Jefferson and St. Clair Streets, fitted it up for hotel purposes, and opened it as Thayer's Exchange (afterwards known as Collins House). In the Fall of 1851, Mr. Thayer took charge of the American Hotel (Northwest corner of Summit and Elm Streets), which he refitted and managed until 1853. At the end of four years (1857), he resumed charge of the establishment and conducted it until it was consumed by fire in January, 1861. For many years Mr. Thayer -ind been interested in real estate and also in manufactures. Among the establishments with which he was identified were the Novelty Iron Works (succeeded by Russell & Thayer), the Toledo Carriage Woodwork Company and the Toledo Wheel Company. At the public sale of Michigan University lands (now within the City of Toledo), held in November, 1849, Mr. Thayer was the first purchaser, he buying 200 acres, for which he paid from $22 to $25 per acre. The Wabash Railway Shops (Fifth Ward) occupy a portion of that purchase. Mr. Thayer was married August 2, 1832, at Floyd, New York, with Miss Anna Lee Fraser. They celebrated their Golden Wedding at Toledo, August 2, 1882, Mrs. Thayer dying May 20, 18 S.3. They had five children, all dying while young, the eldest, a daughter, being 13 years old. The memory of these is recognized in a neat monument erected in Forest Cemetery, Toledo, Mrs. Thayer was a woman of' exceptional force of character and much influence and usefulness.
GEORGE MACK was born in Laechingen, Oberant Mieusingen, July 15, 1831. He is a son of John George and Anna (Maier) Mack. The father was a Baker. The educational privileges of the son were fair, which he enjoyed until 14 years old, when he was "bound out" fur three years as an apprentice to the Baker's trade, receiving as compensation his board only, his father supplying his clothing. At the end of this engagement, he received as wages the equal of $5.00 per mouth. This arrangement continued until the Spring of 1854. His parents both having died, he left home for the United State April 23d, and reached New York June
822 - HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.
6th following. Starting directly for the West, he was able to reach Buffalo, where his means being exhausted, he was compelled to seek employment, which could be found in a brickyard only. Remaining there about three months, he came on to Toledo, arriving during the fatal prevalence there of cholera. He first found employment at the Kingsbury House, H. D. Kingsbury, proprietor, where he remained nearly three years. In 1857, he entered the' employ of Lyman T. Thayer, proprietor of the American Hotel (corner of Summit and Elm Streets) where he remained until the burning of that house in January, 1861. The following Spring, with moderate savings from his wages, he purchased in Buffalo a second-hand Hack, and commenced what now has been his business for 27 years. In the pursuit of that, he has been uniformly successful, making moderate, yet steady gains; meanwhile establishing a character for integrity and good citizenship of which any one may justly be proud, and furnishing illustration of what industry, prudence and economy, under very unfavorable circumstances, will accomplish. Beside ample facilities of the best class for his business, he is the owner of considerable real property in Toledo, the whole constituting a competence for future needs. In 1872 Mr. Mack made a visit to the Fatherland, being gone three months. In 1881, as a Republican candidate, he was elected Director of the Lucas County Infirmary, while most of his associate candidates were defeated. He was re-elected in 1884, again running largely ahead of the ticket, as he also was in 1887. Mr. Mack was married January 13, 1861, with Elizabeth Seltzer, who was born near Frankfort, Germany, coming to the United States in 1858. They have two children William F. and Anna M., both of Toledo.