Bowling Green in Wood County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Boiler House, 1898
Photographed By Craig Doda, November 12, 2021
1. Boiler House, 1898 Marker
The Ohio State Board of Charities educated infirmary
superintendents on the dangers of fire and strongly
suggested the installation of steam heat instead of wood-
burning fireplaces. Initially, the Wood County Infirmary
benefitted from the discovery of natural gas for heat, but
when the supply diminished around 1898, Wood County
Commissioners made the decision to hire J.R. & J.H. Jones
to build a boiler house and stack at a rate of $10 per 1,000
bricks assembled. A coal-burning boiler was purchased for
$240 and placed inside the brick structure. The infirmary's
heat source was upgraded from coal to oil in 1955, and from
oil to gas in 1958.
Fun Fact
During the Great Flood of 1913 (March 23-26), heavy rains overflowed rivers in 13 states. 31 inches of water invaded the boiler house causing a loss of heat and light. Inmates had to stay in bed for warmth.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1898.
Location. 41° 21.027′ N, 83° 37.012′ W. Marker
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Gas Plant, 1906 (a few steps from this marker); Wood County Museum (a few steps from this marker); Ice House, 1905 (a few steps from this marker); Cisterns, Ponds, and Privies (within shouting distance of this marker); Chicken Coop, Wash House, and Wood Shed, 1873 (within shouting distance of this marker); Lunatic Asylum 1885 (within shouting distance of this marker); Pestilence House 1933 (within shouting distance of this marker); Pest House (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bowling Green.
Photographed By Craig Doda, November 12, 2021
2. Boiler House, 1898 Marker
Photographed By Craig Doda, November 12, 2021
3. Boiler House, 1898 Marker
Photographed By Craig Doda, November 12, 2021
4. Boiler House, 1898 Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on November 19, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 14, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 70 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 14, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
