Lima in Allen County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Interurban Era
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., May 9, 2009
1. The Interurban Era Marker
In 1910, the Ohio Electric Railway Company opened this terminal, formerly the Interurban Building, which served interurban passengers until 1937. Along with offices, it contained space for express and baggage handling, ticket windows, a newsstand, a lunch counter, and waiting rooms. Three tracks were laid at the rear of the building. At its peak, Ohio Electric radiated from Lima to Springfield, Toledo (via Ottawa), Defiance, and Fort Wayne. Its competitor, The Western Ohio Railway (“Lima Route”) connected Dayton and Toledo (via Findlay). The interurban network in and around Lima led to the creation of suburbs, linked industrial and residential areas, and promoted the creation of amusement parks and small lake resorts. With decreased passenger traffic due in part to personal automobiles and the Great Depression, the interurban and street railway era in Lima ended in 1939, 52 years after it had begun as Ohio's first successful electric streetcar system.
Erected 2003 by The Ohio Bicentennial Commission and The Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 2-2.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Industry & Commerce
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Location. 40° 44.408′ N, 84° 6.154′ W. Marker is in Lima, Ohio, in Allen County. Marker is on Market Street, on the left when traveling east. Building is now (2009) the Department of Health. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 219 E Market Street, Lima OH 45801, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Inn (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Historic House (about 500 feet away); Bessie Crayton (about 600 feet away); Site Of Lima's First Cemetery (about 700 feet away); Korean War Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); BP America (approx. 0.2 miles away); Faurot Opera House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Allen County, Ohio (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lima.
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., May 9, 2009
2. The Interurban Era Marker
Looking northeast.
The Wagner Post Card and Novelty Company, circa 1922
3. Ohio Electric Interurban Building, Lima, Ohio
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., May 9, 2009
4. The Interurban Building (now Department of Health)
Looking north across Market Street
Credits. This page was last revised on April 23, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 2, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 2,417 times since then and 122 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 2, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 3. submitted on December 9, 2014. 4. submitted on October 2, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
