Lorain’s History- moved about- literally
Logo Design- Christopher Ritchey 2007
During the History Mystery of the Wurmser House we came across a few inconsistencies.
http://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2012/05/30/lorains-history-mystery-the-wurmser-house-a-tale-of-two-houses/
There are a couple of explanations as to how an older house arrived in a neighborhood after a tornado leveled the one that was standing there.
1. The Ohio Historic Inventory people got it completely wrong and the current house was built after the tornado.
2. The possibility of building inventory being scarce after the tornado , pieces parts from an older home being used in a “new build” – as happened in my old house- thus throwing off the Ohio Historic Inventory people. Thus leading to the fact that Mr. Wurmser may have indeed designed this current home utilizing what was available ?
3. An older house was moved to the site and renovated.
Let us look at house moving in Lorain. I have already documented the moving of the “old Parsonage” on 2nd street. But that wasn’t a one-off.
1834 Plat Map for the village of “Mouth of Black River”.
The first known registered survey for what was, 40 years later, to become the City of Lorain, Ohio. After the death of pioneer John S. Reid, the remainder of his land near the little village, was plotted into additional village lots by his son Conrad Reid and his sons-in-laws Daniel T. Baldwin, Quartus Gillmore, and Barna Meeker. They renamed the village “Charleston” in 1836, although shortly later it was known as simply “Black River village” until it was finally named Lorain in 1874. [Note the names of the streets, some of which were added in at a much later date. "Lake Street" should not be confused with Lake Road, which is "Main Street"/"West Erie" on this map.]
About the time of this 1834 survey, the following businesses were recorded in operation within the village: merchants Wm. Jones, and Gates and Green, and W.E. Fitch; blacksmith A.T. Jones; shoemaker E. Miller; tailor Thomas Brown; and the “Reid House” hotel/tavern run by Barna Meeker (it may have been in the same structure built by John S. Reid which served as a blockhouse during the War of 1812).
From the “History of the First Methodist Church” 1856-1956
In 1842, a house belonging to Daniel Baldwin and his wife was moved over to lot 108 on the original village plat and made over into a church building. The house was said to have been originally the house and shoe-shop of Jacob Vedder, but more interesting than who owned or used that building would be the name of the person who actually built it , for that first move was the beginning of a long odyssey that only an exceedingly well-built structure could have survived.
Moving of a house by team of oxen- please see this website for information on “moving” the homesteads-http://downeastdilettante.wordpress.com/2010/01/
The first move was accomplished by the help of Ed Porter’s ox team and the brain and muscle of Cochran, Baldwin, William H Root and A.R. Fitzgerald…
This house to be church was moved from the Hollow to lot 108- and the Hollow was the place where in 1956 the Lorain City Hall parking lot was then located. ( the low spot with now City Hall location being the “Hill” .
City Hall becoming Then and Now
Demolition The Journal Photo March 27th 1974- Dan BradyED Note Dan Brady did a 7 part series on Lorain City Hall (s) check it out
http://danielebrady.blogspot.com/2010/02/old-lorain-city-hall-police-station_10.html
As for the little church, apparently many repairs had to be made , parts of the floor and underpinning , belfry , windows lengthened – made to look more churchly and general straightening needed attention.
After a few years the Methodists decided they needed a new substantial Brick church
so the little travelling (presumably wooden) church was moved again
“put on the skids and moved to lot 205 ( corner of Duane (4th St) and Washington Ave which was designated on the original town plat as reserved for a “Meeting House”
The moving was described by Mr. Quartus Gilmore Jr. one of the township trustees. Among other things he said when they got the building as far as Edmund Gilmore’s house , along the west side of the town square (Washington Park) [ now Veterans Park] that they bogged down in the mud and left the building where it was until the road became passable- I wonder what the families along that row- top residential – were saying!
The next move for this little building was that of a school and it was moved to Lot 206. The apparently according to the History of the Methodist and “eccentric Englishman: ( Oh! dear another one) 
Mr. Joseph Moysey who knew how to live on a little and save much ( something the City of Lorain could emulate) moved it south on Washington avenue and set it up on a lot between 1st and 2nd Avenue ( 8th and 9th street) with the long side facing the street. He divided it into a two family house-
ED NOTE: the birth of the duplex???? in Lorain perhaps and history repeating itself— and to think it was a Englishman SIGH!!!!
The writer can remember that house looking as though it had served its time . But five moves had done something to a rather unimportant building. It looked cold around the edges, but there must have been some warm feelings generated inside
This is not the only Moving that has gone on in this community – to be continued
ED NOTE: For information on the PORTERS- Maureen Smith wrote a three part series for this blog:
Introducing the Porters
http://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2008/07/23/introducing-the-porters-by-maureen-smith/
THE PORTERS ( cont.) by Maureen Smith
http://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2008/07/27/the-porters-cont-by-maureen-smith/
More on the Porters
http://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2008/08/03/more-on-the-porters-maureen-smith/
.
Lorain’s History Mystery- The Wurmser House- a tale of two houses
ED NOTE: Two more of the tornado photos of the Wurmser House have been added-Thank you Dennis Lamont
Earlier this month I went on a rant – a rant about historical significance and the throw away homes of this oldest neighborhood of Lorain
http://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2012/05/16/historic-home-tour-lorain-style-wurmser-ohio-historic-inventory/
I recounted the pattern of neglect and cover-up ( literally) of Lorain’s pioneer history.
http://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2012/05/14/the-rant-pride-in-lorain-how-about-her-historical-worth/
The Wurmser House on West Erie – you remember this house don’t you ?
The house , according to the Ohio Historical Inventory , could be one of Charleston Village’s oldest buildings circa 1840- 
Click on to enlarge
They make mention of the fact in their report:
“surrounding residences date much later from the early 20th century”
Infact, in 1924 a tornado came through Lorain and destroyed many homes and the Wurmser house at the address 1348 was apparently one of them. Dan Brady of Brady’s Bunch of Lorain County Nostalgia
http://danielebrady.blogspot.com/2011/02/5th-west-erie-then-and-now.html and Renee Dore(CVSI) and I have puzzled over the tornado photos shown here:
and yet another view of the wrecked Wurmser House here :
amother view
An aerial view showing all that remains is the basement
Something doesn’t add up-
The street today- photo Daniel Brady
This home according to the Ohio Historic Inventory ( the professionals and those who studied the architecture) is much older than its neighborbors – but the pictures don’t lie – this is not the house that was originally on that lot.
So how did this home , according to the Ohio Historic Inventory , which was probably 80 years old by the time of the tornado end up sitting on a lot that had had a much younger home situated there.
If indeed the Ohio Historic Inventory is to be believed and the house is around circa 1840- the only possible explanation is – it was moved there from elsewhere in the neighborhood.
Lorain actually has a “history of moving ” structures, so it isn’t that far-fetched – for instance this house
pictured in the Wickens drawing by 11-year-old George Wickens in 1891
and pictured here in 1872
“History of the First Methodist Church -1856-1956″ page 21
Our first parsonage is pictured for you right along side of the little brick church. It was built when the church was built and cost $1,000. It stood on the northwest corner of Washington and W. Main St ( W. Erie) on lot no 110 of the original town plat ……..
The parsonage was a good house for those days but when Rev. J.P. Mills came in 1883 we find in records “The Parsonage underwent repairs, an addition was built, the grounds graded ….. The manse[cleric's house] was sold when the old church was torn down. A Mr. Robinson , a young real estate dealer of the day, bought the property for $1,650.00 ……….
For many years a Miss Kate Baumgart owned the corner property but quite a few feet of land were taken off when W. Erie was widened. One of the oil companies bought the corner when it became eligible for business and the house was moved north on Washington and west on Fox St. ( 2nd St). If you go down that way you will see it about half way down the block on the north side. ………
For a house that is getting on for 80 years old( 1956) it looks pretty good. The trimming under the eves, fancy wooden braces, still help hold up the style and incidentally the roof….
The house is still there – and now approximately 136 years old- and for sale – faded and forlorn
The trimming under the eaves is still there but half the chimney is missing
(ED NOTE: are you listening Lorain- city of-any grants available, surely if we can get grants to tear them down we can also find ones to save them???
FOR SALE LORAIN’S HISTORY -
WILFORD BARTENFELD HOUSE- NOW A RENTAL- ALSO NEXT TO HISTORICALLY SIGNIFICANT CAPTAIN GILMORE HOUSE
http://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2008/02/12/capt-wilford-a-hero-of-the-inland-seas/
THE FIRST PURPOSE BUILT PARSONAGE FOR THE METHODIST CHURCH 1872 (possibly the first Lorain parsonage – research needed )
THE NOT THE FIRST WURMSER HOME – OR THE LAST – BUT POSSIBLY THE OLDEST REMAINING EXAMPLE OF A FEDERAL STYLE HOME CIRCA 1840 – THE WURMSER HOUSE
I will explore in part two some other “movers and shakers” . It seems Lorain’s forefathers recycled – they valued their buildings and I believe this is a possible explanation with regard to the Wurmser House. It is another of Lorain’s History Mysteries and there is more to be explored with “this old house”.
ED NOTE if anyone has information re the moving of Lorain’s homes through the years please contact me .
to be continued……………………..
Vidi- Vici – Weeded – Lorain Pride- Settlers’ Watch 2012
They came with their rakes, their shovels, their brooms , their wheelbarrows , brushes , gloves, ladders and laughter .
These members of Century-Link- Lorain Rotary- Lorain Lion’s Club,Kiwanis, Charleston Village Society and Lorain.
It was thirsty work !
The plastic bags filled with weeds and sticks and stones, and some bones were definitely feeling the burn by the end of the morning 
A father honors his son’s tribute – Eric Barnes’ Eagle
And Admiral King’s Tribute site gets its gold!
by noon the mulch had been ferried and placed -
the plants had been watered and a job well done! Thank you so much to everyone!!
Some photos- Lisa Miller – Ernest Ritchey- Nikki Beres. ( click on photo to enlarge )
Note someone is missing a wheelbarrow- I have it – contact me
Memorial Day USA- 2012
design- Christopher D. Ritchey
http://www.thememorialdaytribute.com/origin-of-memorial-day.html
Many cities in the North and the South claim to be the first to celebrate Memorial Day in 1866 but Congress and President Lyndon Johnson officially declared Waterloo in New York as the ‘birthplace’ of Memorial Day in 1966. It was said that on May 5, 1866, a ceremony was held here to honor local soldiers and sailors who fought in the Civil War, businesses were closed for the day and residents furled flags at half-mast. It was said to be the first formal, community-wide and regular event.
How do you memorialize the American dead in her 237 year old history?
Wikipediia does it by listing all the wars since 1775 to the present day
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_military_casualties_of_war
Grand Total 2,489,335 dead or wounded ……. so for every year of the United States existence approximately 10, 504 young people died or were wounded in her name .
The community of the United States of America honors and memorialized those who have died, lost limbs and continue to serve .
http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=116498
ARLINGTON, Va., May 25, 2012 – More than 1,200 soldiers with the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, The Old Guard, gathered at Arlington National Cemetery here yesterday to place miniature American flags on each of its gravesites and niches for the annual “Flags In” ritual that’s been performed just before each Memorial Day for 64 years.
Army Pvt. Aaron Johnson places a small American flag in front of a gravesite headstone during the annual “Flags In” event at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., May 24, 2012. Johnson, assigned to the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, the Army’s “Old Guard,” and his comrades placed flags in front of more than 260,000 gravesite headstones and about 7,300 niches at the cemetery’s columbarium.
The Old Guard, at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, is the Army’s ceremonial unit and has honored Americans buried at the cemetery with the Flags In commemoration every year since 1948.The regiment’s troops placed the flags on nearly 260,000 gravesites and 22,000 niches, in addition to more than 14,000 graves at the U.S. Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Home National Cemetery in Washington, D.C., an Army cemetery for residents of the Armed Forces Retirement Home-Washington
Artwork Christopher D. Ritchey
Freedom Is Not Free- Kelly Strong
I watched the flag pass by one day.
It fluttered in the breeze.
A young Marine saluted it,
and then he stood at ease.
I looked at him in uniform
So young, so tall, so proud,
He’d stand out in any crowd.
I thought how many men like him
Had fallen through the years.
How many died on foreign soil?
How many mothers’ tears?
How many pilots’ planes shot down?
How many died at sea?
How many foxholes were soldiers’ graves?
No, freedom isn’t free.I heard the sound of TAPS one night,
When everything was still
I listened to the bugler play
And felt a sudden chill.
I wondered just how many times
That TAPS had meant “Amen,”
When a flag had draped a coffin
Of a brother or a friend.
I thought of all the children,
Of the mothers and the wives,
Of fathers, sons and husbands
With interrupted lives.
I thought about a graveyard
At the bottom of the sea
Of unmarked graves in Arlington.
No, freedom isn’t free.
So as we enjoy the day of freedom on this Memorial Day think of young smiling faces whose hearts were afire with patriotism as they gave all they could give!
Lorain a history mystery- Deja Vu again?
I have decided to reprise at least “part four” of Do You Deja Vu written 6 years ago 2006 on the old WoM Blog ( now a history mystery of its own- gone and partially forgotten with records of those times on WoM deleted…. well it seems to be a Lorain thing. The reason I am reprising this piece we have Lorain History Mystery to try and solve next week. I thought this might help segue and get the little grey cells working!
Do You Deja Vu – Four
Was this old town “born under an unlucky star” as stated by Mr. Meyer or was she just unlucky with the motives of men?
Lorain over the years has tried to bury its past; they certainly haven’t celebrated their historical heritage. Infact they have always, it seems to me at least, looked for the next “grass is greener” project.
ED NOTE: Remember readers this was 6 years ago hmmmmmm around the block again
I have never been able to understand the fact , for the most part, the wonderful stories (and there are some believe me) were not celebrated.
Lorain’s citizens should pay homage to the small intrepid band “The Black River Historical Society“. The BRHS celebrated their 25th anniversary in 2006. The resources they offer to this city are invaluable and more importantly they have kept a part of her alive.
We know that in what Mr. Meyer stated in his speech before the Lorain Real Estate Board in 1926 the
“plat of a village at the mouth of the Black River… containing 263 standard 1/4 acre lots, proportioned 66×165 wherever practicable. With it went The Public Square, (now known as Washington Park).
The one-acre cemetery plot between the present 6th and 7th streets west of Washinton-av, with the following restrictions: To remain forever a public burying ground and to be under the control of the Town Council of the Town of Charleston”
I found it incredulous in 2006 ,just a year ago ,the little park mentioned in his speech and on Lorain’s birth certificate was deemed by an editor{John Cole- Morning Journal }, developer(John Veard}, head of Community Development {Sandy Prudoff} and a Mayoral administration {Mayor Craig Foltin} as being worthless and only good for a condo complex. As I fought the fight to keep the 200-year-old green space from becoming just another housing site my little voice kept saying
“Why are you bothering this isn’t even YOUR history?
But the response kept coming back
No, but it is YOUR HOME !!!
This city started with a man (Nathan Perry) setting up a trading post and cabin. Why was the little cemetery on 6th and 7th allowed to deteriorate when it was deemed so important to the “birthing” of a village? Why were not the souls that were a part of that history, who gave to this settlement, who died -not given the respect due to them in death?What happened to those that grieved the loss of their child, husband, wife or mother- why did they not rant and rail against the slow destruction of sacred ground? Did they move on to better climes? The population numbers certainly tell a woeful tale. 1840-668- four years later a mere 250 remained- 1850-659, 1870-858 but a year later 1871 -400 (stats History of Lorain, Ohio Chronology)
The answer may lay in man’s greed.Part three of this series covered the Ohio Railroad Scheme which brought disaster to Charleston, Village/town – so much so those involved and effected by the scheme wished to wipe the place off the map and lose her name forever.
The cemetery deemed to
“remain forever a burying ground and under the control of town council”
seemingly suffered the neglect due to that ill-fated scheme of men.
“Inasmuch as Charleston “died aborning” and no such council ever existed, by whom were the affairs of the cemetery administered in the following 36 years, until the Village of Lorain was incorporated. – J.J. Meyer
ED NOTE: The following is from Part three of the series and the failed railroad scheme
In 1815 you could buy an acre (including lake front) for $3.25 per acre but just 20 years later due to land speculation regarding the coming railroad, was going for $1,000.00 an acre.The Elyria Republican (N.B. Gates) states that in 1836 State Engineer Dodge came in from Coshocton “As the engineers came down real estate went up …. All the Black River clerical force was again employed writing land contracts…. We all dabbled in city lots more or less, and nearly everybody in Black River and a good many in Elyria got rich – on paper- in a very short time. H.C Stevens claimed to be worth half a million- in fact we were all rich”
and then the bottom fell out
The Ohio Railroad scheme resulted in total failure for this community. Such was the shame attached to such speculation that the people wished to revert back to the name of Black River and to thereby blot from record and memory the event.
Major Hammond wrote in the Black River Commercial “It (Charleston) died without a struggle. It’s hotels were practically closed, it’s merchants departed, it’s warehouse were almost given away to farmers for barns and fences, and even it’s corporate organization was abandoned; it’s name blotted out by common consent, and it’s memory placed in the category of western paper city failures”
END OF NOTE- back to the cemetery:
Apparently, the Village (what was left of it) entered into an agreement with North Amherst which permitted the joint use of their cemetery. That probably explains why Conrad Reid and his wife Elizabeth and Quartus and Abigail Gilmore of the recording fame of the village plat (1834-37), among other Village notables are interred in Amherst.
It didn’t take too long for folk to forget this little area of eternal rest.
In the Lorain Daily News of 1900 “Want Crossing Through Cemetery”The acceptance of the new Krantz allotment was refused for the second time by the Board of Public Service…
the privilege to Krantz to cross the corner of the cemetery was denied because the property was given for a cemetery purpose only.Once again “development” must have won out because a mere 10 years later ”Unearth Coffin while digging a water main -Strange find made by workmen excavating on 7th Street”
“the discovery of a coffin at this point is easily explained. Prior to the 60’s the city cemetery was located in what is now known as the Krantz addition to the city”…. The bones were placed in a box and will be transferred to Elmwood cemetery.And so Lorain lost for many years the stories of those folk who were once loved and a part of the community. Were they buried deep so possibly they did not remind people of the shame that was the greed of the community and the Ohio Railroad Scheme?
Could the actions of those involved in the scheme of a century and a half before be revisited in the 21st century – the little park deemed worthless by the “power of four” and a little cemetery almost lost forever? Men, who once again determined that a ”short term profit” better served a community and was worth more than the 200-year-old green space that had been the birthplace, gathering place and served it’s citizens well.Could it be they too had “no ownership” in history of this area and followed through with the thinking of ”gone AND forgotten”? After all precedent had been set by elders of a community just a few generations previously.
Thankfully, this time around The Black River Historical Society, Lorain City Council and citizens did not want history buried and found to be “not worth remembering”; they rallied around the little park and gave her her due.Diane Wargo Medina has wrenched from oblivion a little cemetery on 6th and 7th and those, who hopefully lay at rest, have found a friend who recognized and fought for their worth.
You can find photos of the 2007 celebration here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/12219598@N06/1249296462/sizes/m/in/photostream/
Celebration of the ” green space” 2007
Lest We Forget- Christian Temple Disciples of Christ 5th Street Remembers
The congregation of Lorain Christian Temple Disciples of Christ, 940 West Fifth Street, Lorain, Ohio will be placing flags on its side lawn to honor and remember all who have lost their lives in the present conflicts.
The project began in 2002 with 500 flags. This year, over 6, 500 flags will be placed by church members and volunteers from community groups in honor of those who have been killed. The church will begin placing flags at 9:00 a.m. on Friday May 25, 2012. Anyone who would like to help place flags, please contact the church office at 244-5883.
According to Dr. Donahue, the senior pastor of the church:
“ This display is call to prayer and remembrance. Each flag represents a life given and future- potential lost. As we yearly gaze on this field of flags, we are reminded of the price that is paid for and the high cost of our freedoms. It is a humbling and sobering experience.
Christian Temple Disciples of Christ is a Veteran’s Friendly Church where veterans and their families can feel welcome as they worship with many other veterans including Dr. Donahue who is a retired Army Reserve Chaplain.
The community is invited to visit the display which will be up until Tuesday May 29, 2012.
ED NOTE: I spoke to Reverend Donahue this afternoon and help is still needed to help place and gather the flags. Donations are also welcome .
Contact: Rev. Dr. Brad Donahue, Ph: 440-244-5883
Is “Futility” the real F word? or “too many times around the block”
Lately , I have been delving back in the past of my “life in Lorain” as a volunteer.
It all started with the bus breaking down. True, my husband, fresh out of the US Airforce was heading to Cleveland from Sandusky for an interview and the bus broke down. Not one to waste time , at least then, he pulled out the yellow pages found Lorain Products, Ben Norton and a job.
That is how we arrived here , it was quite a shock from London to Lorain- but I followed my father’s advice to get involved and meet people.
I did , I jumped in and I was involved- boy was I involved- not having a career, being young and no children at the time I was the “perfect volunteer”. I have at one time or another been involved in the beginnings of a great many things and organizations in this city and with that comes the “back story knowledge”.Some of the back stories are great and some ??? well a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing.
I know the players, the movers and shakers, the way things were supposed to work and if they did work. I know the good the bad and the ugly. I admit to getting territorial when I see how good things have gone bad and how some have been manipulated so they no longer reflect the original intent.
I think I have been around this particular block too many times, in most cases I am disheartened by what has happened and how with each administration or group of “idea ” people revisit as “new” a way forward – I can no longer get excited- I haven’t seen anything new that I haven’t seen before just reinventing the wheel. I watch the latest ‘dog and pony show” hype and wonder will it be any different this time. I am sort of still young enough that I shouldn’t be so jaded but……..
I have tried to bring the “information” to those that have jumped on the “latest” bandwagon the “history ” or “been there done that” scenario- to give them a bit of a “leg up” so they don’t regurgitate that which has been done before or make the same mistakes . I have realized it isn’t wanted. People/organizations want to make their own mark or mistakes, as it should be I suppose.
I believe, over the years, I have been involved too much in Lorain , experienced too much, know too much and have become too cynical in my views to do much anymore but wait and watch.
I think I have become even more annoying-( I can almost see the eyes roll and the oh! not her again as they read my latest emails – turning into a ‘old curmudgeon “ myself. You know the one, the one that gets up at council meetings and spouts off, writes letters to the newspaper “back in my day”- expounding upon their frustrations – At least I know now how they got there.
I keep hearing
oh we must look to the future
-
all well and good but when the future is tomorrow and the yesterdays and waiting have become the “past”- there are those of us who would like the “here and NOW!!! You see of the 25,000 days allotted to most of us we are fast approaching our “sell by date”!
So forgive the impatience- of the old curmudgeon – the block is deteriorating fast……
Source BBC- Victor Meldrew – One Foot In The Grave
The old curmudgeon walks through town
Wearing a scowl or often a frown
Everyone stays away from him
The poor curmudgeon without a grin
They wonder what has made him mad
Why he’s so blue, why he’s so sad
But no one tries to find out why
They cross the street, won’t look him in the eye
If they’d only ask
Then they would know
Why his eyes are sad
Why his face hangs low
But no one will
And it’s so sad
For perhaps a simple kindness
Would make him glad
Day by day, the curmudgeon goes
And day by day, no one knows
And day by day, no one asks or tires
They just look away from the tears in his eyes.
Lorain Dude(s)- Lorain Pride- Settlers’ Watch 2012
The “two Lorain Dudes” request your presence at Settlers’ Watch 9:00 am 2nd and Oberlin Saturday May 19th -2012 – bring your gloves and tools and water bottles-
I have been very busy- I have learned how to take off storm windows
Preparing for the clean up and Pride Day in Lorain
I have done this clean- up on Pride Day all of my life!
http://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2010/05/17/lorain-dude-discovers-pride-and-settlers-watch/
May 21st 2011
http://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2011/06/17/a-pride-full-day-settlers-watch-2011/
Time to show your pride again 2012- May 19th
Of course the “other Lorain Dude” is just chillin’ this year!
Come on over to Settlers’ Watch – see the under construction Eric Barnes’-Heroes Walk and have a look at the Admiral King Tribute site- I hear the will be roses! Call 440-246-6046 for more information
Historic Home Tour – Lorain Style?- Wurmser -Ohio Historic Inventory
On my desk is a plethora of information on Henry Oswald Wurmser – the renowned architect mentioned in the previous post
http://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2012/05/14/the-rant-pride-in-lorain-how-about-her-historical-worth/
Oh! he was appreciated when he came to Lorain with his partners the firm of Kramer and Wurmser in 1893:
The Lorain Evening Herald 1895
“Their buildings stand on all portions of the United States as monuments of genius and ability…..
The following are a few of the many buildings constructed from their plans:
Opera houses, at Grundy Center Ia, Cherokee, Ia Findlay Ohio, Bowling Green O, Delta O, Sabina , O City Hall Baltimore, O- Hotels Marvin and Gibson- Findlay, Harrison at N. Baltimore, O Minneapolis, At Ottawa, O. Public Schools: New Philadelphia,(2) Findlay O (6) Ashland Ky; Conneaut O, Mansfield O,Canal Dover, Cheeryville, Kans; Homer , Mich; Burlington Vt; Decatur Ill;
And then to Lorain in 1893 where in the History of Lorain County he continued to be identified with the best work of his profession
At Lorain he has erected all the public school buildings during the past 21 years – with the exception of three. …..
During his active career Mr. Wurmser has designed and built 1,224 buildings in Ohio, including among many others the Methodist Church at Elyria and the Reeves Hotel at New Philadelphia Ohio….
He has been especially favored by the School Board of Lorain
—– ahhhh! sorry Mr. Wurmser your monuments of genius and ability….. have gone for the most part ……..Poor old Wurmser – his buildings weren’t favored by other school boards in Lorain in the coming years…. guess they didn’t appreciate his genius and ability ….
Click on to enlarge
And now his home at 1348 West Erie Avenue that is is part of the Ohio Historic Inventory along with the little house in the back 1348 B is negated by those who “decide”
The Front
The Back
The little house 1348B where Cliff Wurmser (son), a teacher at Harrison School, had also resided .
and today inside that little house
And so much for that Ohio Historical Inventory and study so hyped and touted back in the early 90′s showing Lorain’s Historical Worth. Just another study collecting dust. Oh! it is used if the City Of Lorain has to use federal money to demo a house. Community Development has to go through the paperwork in Columbus if they are using federal funds, but really if there are no federal or tax payers monies involved, there is no teeth to this particular “historical dog”. So let us take a walk through the Wurmser House, the one where the Ohio Historic Inventory stated:
“This may be one of the oldest houses in the Charleston Village survey area It reflects the Federal style in its side gable roof , strict symmetry , and windows of 6/6 double hung sash . The 5 bay facade features an Italianate-era doorhood but the multi -paned sidelights are probably original as ar the fan lights in the gable ends. and may date as early as the 1840′s.
Obviously, the home may have been 50 years old already as the Wurmsers moved in in 1893- ( ah! a historic home even in Wurmser’s time )- You have to wonder what this renowned architect saw in this house to make it his home- what I wonder appealed to architect’s eye – its symmetry, simple lines, its Federal styling- who knows ? We never will – like his schools and other buildings his thoughts too, are gone………….
So let us take a video stroll through this home in Lorain’s Preservation District ( there is an oxymoron for you)
Come let me show you how Lorain treats America’s historic inventory………..
And another one bites the dust of decay even with its building permit!
Glad “the powers that be” didn’t treat my home town’s history ( London England) with the same lack of respect- we would be in deeper trouble without all those tourist dollars from America every year…………………….
Note: Thanks to Dennis Lamont, Renee Dore and my secret squirrel photographer for all their help and informaton.
The Rant – Pride in Lorain- How about her Historical Worth?
I was deep in thought this morning, as I was literally climbing all over the “Ship’s Captain”- at Settlers” Watch, getting ready for Pride Day- Saturday May 19th – 9:00 am. . The Ship’s Captain really does have a lovely old face and I was reminded of his worth as people stopped on Saturday and Sunday to have their photo taken with him and asked about the project.
He signifies, to those of us who still take “pride” in this old neighborhood, Lorain’s Maritime history. For those of you born and bred here – this is your history- it is fading fast. I wrote a few weeks ago about Lorain’s forgotten maritime history
http://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2012/04/15/titanic-tale-the-shame-of-lorains-forgotten-maritime-history/
how Lorain is missing out on a whole segment of a “tourist destination”.
Oh! dear falling on deaf ears once again- the Captain Wilford House still is up for sale, yet another rental. Just look at the for sale sign information .
http://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2008/02/12/capt-wilford-a-hero-of-the-inland-seas/
I frankly think Lorain and all previous administrations and councils should hang their heads in collective shame. You haven’t got much time to decide whether or not Lorain’s history can help her present – it is going- going going ………..with just a few souls clinging on for dear life to her heritage in this city. The Black River Historical Society who fights for every crumb.It might not be so urgent if these homes had been maintained – One thing feeds another-
http://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2012/05/01/lorain-oh-broken-homes-broken-people-just-plain-broke-part-two/
The Captain Wilford House- the Captain Gilmore House are not alone there are still a number of homes that have “tales to tell” - The Wurmser House for instance you probably pass this house everyday – those of you that drive along West Erie – the home of a renowned architect
Henry Oswald Wurmser
1348 West Erie Ave. ( and this picture is from a couple of years ago the deterioration has set in to an even greater extent)
.
There is a lot of “buzz” re reclaiming Broadway and that is wonderful
Reclaiming Downtown Lorain Event – June 16th
http://www.cityoflorain.org/announcements?view=1358
Let us look at Broadway and at just a couple of the buildings attributed to Architect Wurmser – recognize them?
600 Broadway- 1901 The Dollar Savings Company
710-714 Broadway The Verbeck Theatre then
and now
and lo and behold Findlay has one of his homes on the US National Historic Register the Charles Bigelow House, – apparently Findlay thinks his work should be preserved- not his home here is Lorain these many years- confess it you just thought it another eyesore .
The house is for sale and has been it is located 1348-1348B West Erie Avenue- The house is in a bad state – how does Lorain justify trashing her history?
We, in Lorain under the auspices of Community Development applauded the Ohio Historical Society the Ohio Historic Inventory for this area. 1993 !!!!! and not a blessed thing has been done to preserve these homes of historical significance. Torn a couple down though.
ED Note – I did call Community Development this afternoon and no they had no record of anyone looking at the Wilford House situation and possibility of purchase- why would they?
So as I climbed all over the Captain this morning to preserve him… hanging on with one hand ( just like the historical societies) – stabilizing him with wood filler and stain so he will last a few more years, almost breaking my neck to do so – I got angry ( the anger that keeps me upright) –
http://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2010/10/18/history-mystery-one-mans-tourism-anothers-flower-bed/
I will now get off my soap box because I got to vent- I got to put it down in cyberspace and will not hold my breath to see if anything ever comes of my latest vent – after all I have been venting about deteriorating Lorain for years and what has happened ? Nothing much…..just more of the same old same old
The Vorweck House
http://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2012/02/06/the-democratic-machine-lorain-ohio-politics-aside/
When Living Memory becomes History
http://thatwoman.wordpress.com/2011/03/16/when-living-memory-becomes-history/
May 14, 2012 at 7:33 pm 16 comments