USA > Ohio > Lucas County > Toledo > Toledo. Its motto: ambition, preseverance and public spirit > Part 1
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Ohio C
Gem
1897 TOLEDO
Rg Mercantile ad
Stock
copies cat .
Toledo-Lucas County Public Library
Local hist.
RAK79
page 59
TOLEDO
ITS MOTTO:
Ambition, Perseverance
.. .. AND .. ..
Public Spirit.
Compiled by the Mercantile Advancement Co., TOLEDO, OHIO. 1897.
COMPILED 1897
THE MERCANTILE ADVANCEMENT CO , TOLEDO, OHIO.
THE HADLEY PRINTING CO., TOLEDO, OHIO.
PRODUCE EXCHANGE.
TOLEDO.
S TANDING on the verge of the Twentieth Century, the greatest and grandest of civilization, Toledo undoubtedly ranks to-day as one of the most noted of the interior cities of the Ameri- can continent, and the story of her progress, industries, and resources present a subject of vivid interest to all to whom the activi- ties and gains of business are a necessity or a charm. We shall, how- ever, not go into a lengthy preface, but at once proceed to the task of compiling a sketch of the proudest city of the sisterhood of great com- monwealths and her surroundings, and we hope to make it more com- prehensive and generally accurate than any historical work that has ever been published in this city ; and in a concise form to present a general view of the resources and industries, the material wealth, moral elevation, and the social condition of one of the most progressive cities of the Buckeye State. As the depot (from whence, not figuratively, but literally, many cities and towns draw their supplies), the products of the place, its capabilities for supply, and its resources for production, are the main points of interest in the recital of its advancement. It is not, however, claimed that a perfect balance sheet of progress is given. This is prevented by the various idiosyncracies that prevail in other communities as well as Toledo, which render the collating of statistics difficult, from the indifference or averseness of individuals furnishing them. Indeed, it will be obvious to the most obtuse, that without the
aid of business men, manufacturers, and others, by giving candid and clear statements of the facts in their possession, and in most cases known only to them, the compilation of this work would have been impossible. For these and other favors, therefore, from various quarters, whether solicited or voluntary, the publishers make grateful acknowledgment.
The illustrations which accompany the work are believed to add to its permanent interest and value. The enterprise, public spirit and hearty co-operation of many of Toledo's leading business men have made possible the publication and general distribution of the book. In a word, the sole purpose kept in view has been to fully, fairly, and accurately present the subjects set forth in the title-page.
A Great City.
Toledo is the county seat of Lucas County and a port of entry. It is situated on the left bank of the Maumee River, five miles from its mouth in the Maumee Bay ; eight miles from the Western extremity of Lake Erie ; 92 miles west from Cleveland ; 53 miles south of Detroit, Mich .; 134 miles northwest of Columbus, and 246 by canal north of Cincinnati. This was originally two distinct settlements-the upper, Port Lawrence, the lower, Vistula. The city has the finest harbor on
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LUCAS COUNTY COURT HOUSE.
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AN OHIO GEM-TOLEDO.
the lakes, and is situated in the midst of the oil and natural gas fields of the state. The view of the harbor from the upper landing is very fine-the eye takes in a distance of several miles of the river, bounded by well defined projecting headlands, and often showing a large number of sails, presenting not only a scene of beauty, but evidence of extensive commerce of which this place is the center.
Toledo covers the site of a stockade fort, called Fort Industry, erected about the year 1800, near what is now Summit street. A treaty was held in this fort with the Indians on July 4, 1805, by which the Indian title to the " Firelands" was extinguished. The insignificant settlements of Port Lawrence and Vistula were formed later, and have since lost their identity in Toledo, the great and flourishing city of to- day, whose growth has been one of the marvels of the age in which we live.
Its Incorporation.
Toledo was incorporated as a city in 1836, when it had five churches, thirty-seven mercantile houses, and two banks, and an esti- mated population of 2,400. In 1840 this population had increased to 3,122; in 1860 it was 13,796; in 1870, 31,731; in 1880, 50,137; in 1890, 81,434; and the population to-day is estimated at 140,000, an immense growth having been made since the last census. Every year sees a vast improvement in the city, and it is everywhere favorably spoken of for the activity and the extent of its commerce, and the rapidity of its progress towards the high destiny which reflecting men long ago anticipated for it.
Its Favorable Position.
Considered both from a geographical and topographical stand- point, Toledo possesses advantages that are manifold in importance. Being high above water, the city has the best facilities for excellent sanitary arrangements, and it affords complete drainage. The import- ance of the city as a centre to the manufacturer seeking a base for his operations presents opportunities immeasurably superior to those of many other cities, and these have been freely taken advantage of.
As a Railroad Centre.
Great trunk lines of railways converge here. In fact, this is the third railroad centre of the continent, being the focus, from all direc- tions, of 23 railroads, with 157 passenger trains daily. The city is the natural gateway through which pass all the great trans-continental lines, and through which must be carried the products of the factories and mines of the East, as well as the yield of the prairies and orchards of the West. The little town of 1836 has developed into the present great city, under the beneficent influences of superior position, unsur- passed transportation facilities, and the indomitable energy and forti- tude of past generations, the able precursors of the enterprising class of men, whose efforts to-day are still bent toward maintaining the su- premacy won. The transportation facilities, both by rail and water, are unsurpassed, and an immense traffic is conducted in all lines of shipment.
Toledo has a river front capacity for 25 miles of docks, and. as before stated, it has the best harbor on the lakes, with outlet to the Atlantic Ocean by the Hudson and St. Lawrence Rivers; with canal connecting the Ohio River, the Mississippi, and the Gulf of Mexico: a regular line of first-class propellers to Montreal, Buffalo, Ogdensburg and Chicago; with daily passenger steamers connecting Erie, Cleveland, Sandusky and Detroit, and an immense marine tonnage of ore, coal, fish and lumber. Large shipments are also made each year from this port of provisions, live stock, whisky, hides, tobacco, wool and lumber.
Without doubt Toledo is destined to become the foremost iron- making city on the continent, for here fuel, ores and limestone may most cheaply meet and be distributed in all the forms of iron on its lake, river, canal and railroads.
Toledo has the cheapest and best fuel in the world. It is near the great oil and natural gas fields of Northwestern Ohio; the great coal roads of Ohio centre here, and it is in close proximity to the lumber and ore regions of Michigan and Canada, while its rail and water ways make it a point where fuel, ores, lumber and soil products cheaply meet.
POSTOFFICE.
10
AN OHIO GEM-TOLEDO.
Our Manufactures.
Toledo is not only a great commercial and desirable residence centre, but also a first-class, most prominent manufacturing city, pos- sessing about a thousand manufactories of great variety, ranging from a pin factory to a rolling mill. Indeed, one of the proudest records in the annals of commercial history is that attained by Toledo as a great industrial and manufacturing centre. The proximity to nature's store- houses of coal, oil and iron is sufficient to give prominence to the more staple industries; while having at command such varied and valuable products of the mine, the forest and the farm, and possessing the very best facilities for the distribution of goods, nothing is lacking to make this city an ideal site for the location of manufacturing establishments of every kind. Many millions of capital are invested in our factories, furnishing work for thousands of skilled workmen, and there are invit- ing fields here for the profitable investment of many millions more. The many whistles of Toledo's myriad factories is sweetest music to her thousands of workmen and public-spirited citizens; it is a melody that proclaims to the world the fact that this is one of the greatest manufacturing centres in the country.
The Coal Trade.
Its location and railroad facilities have made Toledo one of the headquarters of the coal trade. It is one of the largest soft coal markets in the country, and many thousands of tons of coal pass through here for consumption in all parts of the United States. The city has the cheapest kind of fuel, and, in addition, is liberally sup- plied with natural gas, which is also furnished at the most reasonable cost.
Grain and Seeds.
Toledo manipulates an enormous trade in grain and seeds. This city enjoys the distinction of being the greatest clover seed market in the world, while the trade in timothy and other seeds is also great, and
shipments are made to all points of the globe. There are twelve grain elevators here, with a combined capacity of 8,000,000 bushels. Some 38,000,000 bushels of wheat, corn, oats and rye are shipped yearly.
As a Residential Point.
If beauty of situation, benefits of unexcelled business opportunity, all that is wise in conservatism, united with all that is commendable in the progressive movement of the present age; if surroundings elevating in influence, institutions healthful in an honorable struggle with the necessities of life; if health, wealth and happiness are attractions as a place of residence, then, indeed, must Toledo prove supreme. The city has a liberal system of public parks, and numerous pleasure resorts, near at hand, for which elegant and fast-sailing passenger steamers hourly depart. It has 100 miles of splendid electric street railroad service, including a loop line of electric railroad connecting the towns of Perrysburg and Maumee, eight and nine miles distant.
It has many colleges, seminaries, private schools, charitable homes, societies, clubs and other advantages incident to a cheerful, prosperous people .. It has one or more lodges of every known secret society, the Masonic fraternity, Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias and National Union having handsome and substantial buildings of their own.
Toledo possesses 356 miles of avenues and streets, 95 miles of them paved; 298 miles of constructed sidewalks; 108 miles main sewer; ample water works and excellent water; gas-works, electric lighted streets; two natural gas companies, with 200 miles of distributing pipes; five large oil companies; well paid and well equipped police and fire departments; the finest public library building in Ohio, con- taining over 32,000 volumes.
The city has 1,500 telephone connections, a Produce Exchange, Chamber of Commerce, new Custom House and Post Office, the finest Soldiers' Memorial Building in the United States, with an audience capacity of 3,500; the finest club house in Ohio, and the newest and best regimental armory west of New York and east of Chicago.
There are 87 churches, all denominations being represented.
TOLEDO HOSPITAL.
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AN OHIO GEM-TOLEDO.
Banking Facilities.
Toledo is especially strong in her fiduciary institutions, and her banking houses enjoy an enviable reputation in the money circles of the country. There are 13 banks here, officered by some of our most prominent citizens. They have ever been ready to aid all legitimate enterprises, and have proved a power of strength in promoting the development and prosperity of the community.
The Press.
The press of Toledo is fully up to the highest grade of journalistic enterprise, and in all departments of news-gathering, of criticism, and of thoughtful discussion, the papers of the city are true representatives of its progress and advancement. There are five daily journals and eighteen weekly papers, besides other publications.
Educational.
Nothing is more indicative of the intelligence and advanced civili zation of a community than its interest in popular education, and the facilities which it has provided for communicating knowledge to the masses. Measured by this standard, Toledo occupies an enviable
position among the leading cities of the United States. There are 35 splendid school buildings here, with the best manual training school in the world connected with a public school system. The high and manual school buildings and power house occupy one square of the city. All the schools are maintained at the highest standard of effi- ciency, and are a source of pride to all our citizens.
General Trade.
This city has established a permanent reputation for sound busi- ness methods, and the substantial basis upon which her commercial and financial fabric rests. All branches of commerce are efficiently represented here, both in the wholesale and retail branches, and the trade operations of many of our houses extend to all sections of the country. Many additional jobbing houses are gravitating to Toledo, where the unexcelled shipping facilities make it possible for them to reach customers in the shortest possible time, and thus permit their business to expand indefinitely.
In conclusion we may briefly sum up, that the remarkable grogress and prosperity of Toledo are due to her natural advantages, mid-con- tinental position, railway facilities, cheap fuel, proximity to raw material, prosperous and contented workingmen, educational advan- tages, freedom from speculative booms, the character of its people, their culture, conservatism, industry and wealth.
DENTIST.
LIFE
Fra.254 92
UN PEED'S SOD
BATHS
NE N UNION TELEGRA I COMPANY.
WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH
F.N.QU.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
Representative Business Houses of Toledo.
In the following series of brief descriptive articles, to which the attention of the reader is particularly directed, will be found a large amount of useful and practical information of the highest value. From these an accurate knowledge will be imparted, with reference to the commercial and manufacturing facilities of this city, its advantages as a market for the purchase of supplies, its opulent and enterprising business concerns, (none of which have been willingly omitted) and the striking diversity of its resources.
As an exhibit of wealth, enterprise and individual worth, this group of notices is a remarkable one, and evinces a degree of active endeavor and prosperous usefulness that cannot fail to excite the consideration of the reader, and lead to the establishment of more perfect ideas with reference to the real greatness of Toledo as a mercantile centre.
Milburn Wagon Co.
This concern controls one of Toledo's greatest industrial enter- prises in its own works, which furnish employment to an army of about 1,000 mechanics and assistants. The company's grounds are located at Auburndale, and cover an area of 32 acres. The various buildings pos- sess a floorage area of over 5,000,000 feet. The various departments are under the supervision of men of the highest skill and mechanical
ability ; all the processes of manufacture are carefully manipulated so as to secure the best results, and 100 completed wagons of the highest workmanship can be turned out daily. The company manufacture all varieties of express and delivery wagons, trucks, drays, brewery wagons, oil tank wagons, one and two horse wagons, plantation and railroad
carts, log trucks, buggies, spring wagons, business wagons, city gears, excavation gears, etc. This concern has for some years been making wagons for some of the leading express companies, who buy the best because experience has demonstrated it is the cheapest, and this fact is conclusive of the durability of Milburn vehicles. Large branches are maintained at Chicago, Albany, N. Y., Austin, Tex., Chattanooga, Tenn., Birmingham, Ala., and wholesale depots at Cleveland, O., St. Paul, Minn., Mt. Vernon, Ill., Richmond, Va., Peoria, Ill., Batavia, N. Y., St. Louis, Mo., Kansas City, Mo., Omaha, Neb., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Marshalton, Iowa and Hawarden, Iowa. Illustrated catalogues, giving full details of the company's goods are furnished free on application. The business of this house was originally founded at Mishawaka, Ind., in 1848, by Mr. Geo. Milburn. A removal to Toledo was effected in 1873 and the business incorporated under the present company form, since which year the concern has been a part of Toledo's history, and a prime factor in the city's thrift, growth, manufacturing fame and pros- perity. The capital stock and surplus are over $1,000,000 and the annual amount of business transacted, immense. The president, Mr. F. D. Suydam, is a native of Ohio, a foremost member of the Toledo Chamber of Commerce, and prominent as a public-spirited citizen in all matters affecting the city's well-being. The vice-president is Mr. J. W. Stoddard, who is also president of the Stoddard Manufacturing Co. of Dayton, O., and a leading resident of that city. Mr. Thos. Vanstone is the efficient treasurer. This gentleman is also vice-president of the Toledo Savings Bank and Trust Company, special partner in the drug firm of Foncannon & Co., and is thoroughly identified with the com- munity's business and social welfare. H. W. Suydam, secretary, D. A .. Curtis, assistant treasurer.
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
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AN OHIO GEM-TOLEDO.
R. G. Dun & Company.
There is no subject of greater importance to the business commu- nity than a perfected system for the protection of trade, by means of a method of investigation into the merits of parties to a contract. In the front rank among the organizations instituted with this object in view stands the mercantile agency of R. G. Dun & Co., whose Toledo offices under the management of Mr. C. E. Pickard are located in the Chamber of Commerce building. The Dun Mercantile Agency was organized in New York in 1841. The Toledo office controls the agency's business in Northern Ohio, Indiana and Southern Michigan, being also con- nected with the main office in New York and with every branch in the United States and Canada. Investigations are characterized by care- fulness and thoroughness, while its reports and statements are impar- tial and accurate. The law and collection department is one of its most important features and has proved invaluable to business men. It undertakes the collection of past due debts in every portion of the United States and Canada, engaging for the purpose able and responsi- ble attorneys. This agency, since its organization, has collected and paid over to subscribers many millions of dollars. An able reportorial and clerical force is employed in Toledo, special attention being given to the collection and classification of facts relating to the financial standing of business men and manufacturers. Mr. Pickard has had charge of the Toledo District since 1890, and was previously for nearly fifteen years manager of the branch at Keokuk, Iowa. He was also formerly in the company's offices in Chicago and St. Louis. Conspic- uous for his promptness and executive ability, he is admirably qual- ified for the position he fills, and has secured the confidence and respect of the entire commercial community.
Waldcutter, Stein & Co., Chair Manufacturers.
One of the most important industries of Toledo, is the firm of Waldcutter, Stein & Co., who are devoted exclusively to the manufac- ture of chairs of a high grade and superior finish. This firm has been engaged in the business since 1889 and have built up a wonderfully
fine and prosperous business. Their plant is situated on Brown ave- nue, South of Dorr street, and consists of a three-story brick factory, 50x60 feet, brick storage building, same height, and 40x70 feet, to- gether with three-story brick storage and ware-room, 24x48 feet in di- mensions, all especially adapted to the uses and purpose of the business and supplied throughout with an excellent outfit of suitable machinery, tools, etc., of modern design and improvement. Power is obtained from a 48-horse engine, and the factory and other departments are manned by a force of nearly half a hundred skilled and expert workmen. The firm is recognized on the road, and they also issue annually, (or oftener when required) a handsome and attractive illustrated catalogue, which accurately and admirably portrays the styles, kinds and special designs of chairs, manufactured by them, such as wood-seat chairs, spring-seat rockers, dining chairs, cane-seat rockers, office and lodge arm chairs, children's high chairs, library chairs, etc., in many styles of upholstering and finish. An extensive business is done and extends over a number of states, but principally through Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. The individual members composing the firm are Frederick Waldcutter, Henry Stein and Henry Kahlenberg, all of whom are natives of the German Empire, but have long been highly esteemed and valued citizens of this country. They are important factors in the business life of Toledo and the high grade of goods they manufacture reflects credit, not only upon themselves, but also upon the community of which they are a part.
H. E. Riggs.
The profession of Civil Engineering is strongly represented here in the person of Mr. H. E. Riggs who occupies handsome offices at 424 the Nasby building. This gentleman has but recently become estab- lished here, but brings with him the record of laurels won in other fields, as a most capable engineer and constructor. He was for six years chief engineer of the Toledo, Ann Arbor & North Michigan Railway during the reconstruction of that road, and while in that position made a large circle of acquaintances in Ohio and Michigan. During
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AN OHIO GEM-TOLEDO.
the past year he has had charge of construction of the Toledo, Bowling Green and Fremont Railway as chief engineer and superintendent of construction, has prepared plans for a system of sanitary sewerage for Adrian, Michigan, prepared plans and superintended the construction of the sewerage system of Pontiac, Michigan, has prepared plans for the sewerage and sewage disposal at Bowling Green, Ohio, besides other work of lesser magnitude. His specialty is that of furnishing reports, plans, estimates, surveys, etc., for sewerage and sewage disposal work and construction of all such works. A corps of capable assistants is employed and the plans, estimates, etc., issuing from this office are based upon a thorough technical knowledge and practical experience in sanitary engineering. Mr. Riggs is a native of the state of Kansas and a graduate of her State University. He is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, a member of the Michigan Engineering So- ciety and of the Civil Engineers Club, of Cleveland, Ohio, and the En- gineers Club, of Detroit. He has had a ripe experience in all the practical and technical branches of locating, constructing and main- taining railways, thoroughly competent to solve any problem offered by this most difficult and exacting profession.
Toledo Paper Box Company.
Toledo possesses over eight hundred manufactories of every variety and her natural and acquired advantages point to the fact that the city is destined to become one of the greatest centres of production in the country. Among other industries here a representative position is occupied by the Toledo Paper Box Co., whose works are situated in the New Berlin block, Nos. 501 to 507 St. Clair street. This flourishing enterprise was inaugurated six years ago, on Water street, and a re- moval to the present address was affected a year since, owing to the de- mand for increased room. The premises occupied have an area of 8,000 square feet and all the departments are equipped with the latest im- provements in machinery, which reduces the cost of production to a minimum. A force of about forty skilled operatives is employed, and, under careful supervision they manufacture paper boxes of all sizes and varieties, also flap-end shells and bottle cases and mailing tubes, for
which this concern has just recently installed the latest improved ma- chinery. The output is from 10 to 15,000 per diem. Correspondence is solicited and orders of any magnitude are promptly met. The man- ager and proprietor of this cred- itable establishment is Mr. Wil· liam Peoples, a popularly known citizen, who has ever manifested a public spirited interest in Tole- do's welfare. He is always prompt in meeting obligations, and sustains a reputation of the most creditable character. The trade covers the states of Ohio, Michigan and Indiana.
Novelty Cloak Rack Co.
A unique industry among the varied business interests of Toledo is that conducted by the Novelty Cloak Rack Co., whose office and salesroom are at No. 330 Broadway, while their fac- tory is at No. 319 Oliver street. This enterprise was founded some ten years ago by the present sole owner, Mr. Julius Black, and it has been directed by him with excellent success, the large trade that has developed extending all over the United States. Mr. Black is the inventor of several special- ties in his line, and manufactures a complete line of ladies', misses', men's and boys' show forms, also cloak racks, cloak hangers and
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