The village of
Bloomdale was
established as a
result of the building
of the railroad in 1874
and the discovery of
natural gas in 1886.
Jonathon W. Myers
made the first plat
in 1874 and the first
mayor, A. B. Probert,
was elected in . . . — — Map (db m170296) HM
James Acocks
Allen Allion
Jerrame Allgire
Maurice Allgire
John J Ambrose
Weldon Apple
Richard Apple
Reginald Chub August
Jeffery August
Raymond Atchison
Robert Babcock
Fred Babcock
Kenneth Babcock . . . — — Map (db m170302) WM
City Building, Police Department, Fire Department
At the western edge of the Main Street Historic District - placed in the National Register of Historic Places on Novem- ber 28, 1980 and locally designated on June 21, 2022 is the stately . . . — — Map (db m252177) HM
Blacksmith Shop
Inside, this functional blacksmith shop periodically provides
educational demonstrations using a working forge and early 20th
century tools. The building was once owned by the Asmus family
as a granary, or storage building . . . — — Map (db m185795) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m185788) HM
Bowling Green's historic "Boom Town" is a special residential area developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. During this period, the nearby discovery of oil and natural gas helped trigger a major population growth, sparking the . . . — — Map (db m252175) HM
The Oil Derrick and Blacksmith Shop are not original to the Wood
County Infirmary site, but represent Wood County's Oil Boom
period and are used for educational demonstrations. The derrick
is originally from Ryerson, Pennsylvania. The steam . . . — — Map (db m185794) HM
Robert '55, 06 (Hon.) and Ellen Bowen '54, '06 (Hon.) Thompson have made a profound impact on Bowling Green State University. Their commitment to their alma mater has influenced its physical appearance, enhanced the student experience and . . . — — Map (db m181006) HM
1833
After Bowling Green's found in 1833, the area was only accessible by foot or on horseback through the Black Swamp. The painting above ("Horses and Wagon Mired in Mud") is a depiction of life in the Great Black Swamp as illustrated by . . . — — Map (db m252182) HM
Information gleaned from Infirmary Superintendent Frank Brandeberry's
journal indicates he began building the iconic wall in May 1919 from
stones found in local farm fields. Leonora Smith Friar, infirmary cook
(1932-1937), recalled, Mr. . . . — — Map (db m185776) HM
The dispensation of public charity required Ohio counties
to manage a large farm in order to establish financial
independence from the local taxpayer. On May 3, 1892, Wood
County Commissioners recognized the need for a larger
barn on infirmary . . . — — Map (db m185782) HM
Chicken Coop
Originally constructed in 1873, the chicken
coop was an essential part of daily life at the
infirmary. This chicken coop was one of two
poultry buildings, but the smaller coop is no
longer standing. German immigrant John . . . — — Map (db m185786) HM
Installed in 1879 for $81, the first cistern
tank was hooked up to a common drain
line that pumped water from a well
nearly a mile away. Due to the heavy
mineral deposits contained within
infirmary land, digging a well closer to
the main . . . — — Map (db m185787) HM
Southwest Block
Southwest of the intersection of S. Main St. and W. Wooster St. stand three commercial buildings that are placed in the National Register of Historic Places (1980) as contributing to the Main Street Historic District. They . . . — — Map (db m252766) HM
Superintendents &
Matrons of the Wood
County Infirmary
*1869-1872
Infirmary Directors
managed the site
1872-1877
Thomas C. & Margaret Reid
1877-1878
E.M. Jenkins
1878-1904
Edwin & Charlotte Farmer
1904-1949
Frank & . . . — — Map (db m185777) HM
In October 1867, the Wood County
Commissioners purchased 160 acres from
Abel T. Norris at a cost of $7,200 to use
as the infirmary site. On August 2, 1869,
ditches were dug around the perimeter of
the property to ensure proper drainage of
the . . . — — Map (db m185781) HM
Born 1783 New York City. Killed in combat September 1814. West Point Graduate 1806. As Military Engineer Helped build Castle Williams, N.Y. and Ft. Norfolk Va. Honored by naming of Fort Wood in New York Harbor and monument at West Point.
He . . . — — Map (db m120920) HM
A "Marriage Mill" City
From the mid-1920s to the early 1950s, Bowling Green was among fifty-three towns in the United States referred to as "marriage mills."
Merriam-Webster defines a marriage mill as "a place where it is possible to . . . — — Map (db m252192) HM
Methodist Churches
From 1872 until 1968, the northwest corner of E. Wooster and N. Prospect Streets was the home of two Methodist church buildings. Although Methodism in Bowling Green dates back to the late 1830's, the early congregation . . . — — Map (db m252197) HM
All buildings on the northwest block of N. Main St. and described here are part of the Main Street Historic District, placed in the National Register of Historic Places on November 28, 1980.
Through the decades, residents have found . . . — — Map (db m252939) HM
Elder Oliver Mears organized on February 8, 1862 in a tent on this spot, then a walnut grove owned by William Lovett, the Lovett's Grove Seventh-day Adventist Church, first of this denomination in Ohio. A Frame building erected in 1864 served the . . . — — Map (db m95491) HM
Left plaque
When Benedict Arnold in the late days of the American Revolution ravaged the state of Connecticut he burned the farm houses along his route. In 1792 these farmers were given land grants in the "Firelands,"- Erie and Huron . . . — — Map (db m146192) HM
Drilling a well for suitable drinking
water was perhaps the single most
difficult task for the managers of the
infirmary. On August 29, 1884, male
infirmary workers drilled a 242-foot
well looking for water, but instead
discovered natural gas. . . . — — Map (db m185789) HM
Through the forest to the east may still be seen the original trail of Hulls army in June 1812, enroute to Detroit. Some of the corduroy timbers are still buried along the route. — — Map (db m283557) HM
In or near the Main Street Historic District, which was placed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, there are several church buildings of historical and architectural significance, representing a variety of religious . . . — — Map (db m252176) HM
As the country emerged from the final days of the Civil War in 1865, Bowling Green was already actively engaged in draining the Great Black Swamp. Early Wood County settlers dreaded making the journey across the swamp to conduct legal and . . . — — Map (db m252938) HM
The area around present-day Wooster Green, where you are standing, has historically been the site of Bowling Green's junior high and high schools, before they were relocated to the campus on W. Poe Rd. As the city grew and prospered, school . . . — — Map (db m252174) HM
On September 24, 1873, the first Wood County Infirmary Superintendent, Thomas C. Reid,
was given permission to construct a hog pen. On August 17, 1903, Superintendent Frank Brandeberry replaced the original hog pen with the first brick . . . — — Map (db m185793) HM
Given the fluctuating number of inmates living in the Wood County Infirmary, it was
logical for the Wood County Commissioners to approve the construction of an ice house
to store and preserve perishable foods. Cement blocks from the demolition of . . . — — Map (db m185784) HM
Log Cabin
While the log cabin is not original to the site, it
pays tribute to the first white settler in Center
Township, Benjamin Cox. In 1827-1828, Cox
built a cabin on the left bank of the Portage
River near the present junction of . . . — — Map (db m185796) HM
The language used to describe those considered mentally ill in the
1800s included words like lunatic, idiotic, insane, or epileptic. Modern
interpretation of mental illness requires placing labels in historical
context or understanding the . . . — — Map (db m185780) HM
Prior to 1885, a wooden building with rooms overlooking a hog pen had been used to house the insane patients. It was in such poor condition, however, that the infirmary director would not be responsible for anything that might happen to patients . . . — — Map (db m185710) HM
One of two buildings used to isolate residents with infectious diseases from the rest of the infirmary household. The other Pest House no longer stands. — — Map (db m185792) HM
Over the course of many years, several contagious diseases infected inmates living
in the main infirmary building. Communicable diseases included: influenza, cholera,
pneumonia, and tuberculosis. Sick individuals were quarantined or isolated . . . — — Map (db m185791) HM
For 127 years, children from Bowling Green learned, laughed, and played on this site as students of the Ridge Street School.
Now dedicated to the outdoor enjoyment of area residents, Ridge Park will continue to be a place where new discoveries . . . — — Map (db m100137) HM
304 North Church Street Transitions
Church Street Elementary School (1901-1956)
In 1901-1902, the Church Street Elementary School was built at 304 N. Church St., bringing a school to the Fourth Ward to complement the elementaries already . . . — — Map (db m252773) HM
Froney Building
It may be hard to believe, but the building at 139-143 S. Main St. is actually three separate buildings built by Albert Froney from 1892 to 1895. As shown by the pictures (left), you will see the structure has undergone many . . . — — Map (db m252937) HM
Fire! August 4, 1887 & October 31, 1888
During the prosperity of the oil and gas boom years, Bowling Green suffered its "Greatest Fire" on August 4, 1887. A quarter of downtown on the east side of N. Main St. from just north of E. Wooster St. . . . — — Map (db m252189) HM
The intersection of Main and Wooster Streets, affectionally known as "the Four Corners" for well over a century, is the heart of the Main Street Historic District. It was placed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
Main and . . . — — Map (db m252180) HM
The Great Black Swamp mural is a symbolic narrative of
imagery from this region of fertile farmlands that was
once a vast swamp the remains of a receding Lake Erie.
Under the direction of artist Adrian Tio, ideas suggested
by students from the . . . — — Map (db m180773) HM
Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in May 1987
Bowling Green was first platted in 1835. The Main Street Historic District represents the commercial buildings constructed around Bowling Green's brief "boom era" in the late 1800's . . . — — Map (db m116992) HM
Although the state of Ohio authorized county funds be set aside
for the maintenance of the poor in 1816, it was not until June 3,
1863, when the Board of Wood County Commissioners selected a
site to build an infirmary farm. Decisions about . . . — — Map (db m185778) HM
Wooster Green's sculpture by Deedee Morrison, a nationally recognized sculptor and
installation artist from Greenville, South Carolina, reflects the identity and values of
the Bowling Green community. In her view, public art is all about . . . — — Map (db m180772) HM
Dedicated to the local veterans and volunteers who have given so much to make Tontogany and the United States what they are today.
Thank you for all you have done. — — Map (db m186495) WM
Thurstin/Hood Home
Deck Hanneman Funeral Home
Alfred Thurstin, one of Bowling Green's earliest settlers, arrived here in 1833 from New York when this area was nothing but unsettled, snake-infested, swampy wilderness. He purchased 109 . . . — — Map (db m252196) HM
Side 1 City of Bowling Green
BG City Schools
BG Chamber of Commerce
BG Community Foundation
BG Convention & Visitors Bureau
BG Economic Development
Downtown Foundation
Side 2
Bowling Green High School occupied this . . . — — Map (db m180770) HM
United States of America
Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients
State of Ohio Wood County
Civil War
Bown, Wilson W. 2nd Lt. Georgia 1862
Buffman, Robert 2nd Lt. Georgia 1862
Mason, Eilhu H. 2nd Lt. Georgia 1862 . . . — — Map (db m170773) WM
Following a contentious political battle in the 1860s, the Wood County Seat of Government was moved from Perrysburg to Bowling Green and the City's first courthouse was constructed in 1868 on E. Court St. In 1893, this original building. was . . . — — Map (db m252193) HM
In celebration of our country's 200th birthday
this flag monument is dedicated to Wood County by the
following Wood County, veterans associations and their
auxiliaries in cooperation with the county commissioners:
American Legion
Forty and . . . — — Map (db m192999) WM
The Ohio State Board of Charities instructed
county infirmaries to set aside a portion
of land for a pauper cemetery. In 2019,
the Wood County Museum dedicated a
monument noting 252 confirmed burials in
the Wood County Home Cemetery.
. . . — — Map (db m185783) HM
This memorial commemorates the sacrifice of service members from Wood County, Ohio who died while serving our country outside an active combat zone
Robert R. Dimick
Dale Ruswinkle
Mathew A. Schaller
Gordon L. Essinger
John H. . . . — — Map (db m193390) WM
During the American Civil War (1861-1865), a sparsely populated Wood County (18,000 in 1860) furnished nearly 2,000 men for the Union military, and approximately 450 died in service. Wood County soldiers served in seventeen infantry regiments, two . . . — — Map (db m193393) WM
The Infirmary, also known as the poorhouse or simply "The Home," is one of the last county poorhouse sites in Ohio where nearly all of the original structures still stand. The main building, constructed in 1868 with outbuildings added over the . . . — — Map (db m29188) HM
A war they say was forgotten, and will pass with time, this memorial is dedicated,
to those brave soldiers, who were left behind. Their dedication to mankind,
they fought with no regrets. A tribute to all, So shall never forget. . . . — — Map (db m170768) WM
Here is a little bit of information about what you are seeing on the grounds
The 50-acre grounds of the Wood County Museum include a variety of areas for
reunions, ceremonies, picnics, and special events. This lush and unique backdrop is . . . — — Map (db m185790) HM
In Memory Of The Men and Women Who Served In
Iraq, Afghanistan and
the Global War on Terrorism
Bradley Hart Africa
David R. Christoff Iraq
Thomas P. Belkofer Afghanistan
Daniel E. Miller Afghanistan — — Map (db m193392) WM
Wood County's best
of their generation.
In honor of
those who served in valor
and in memory of those who
were sacrificed in
Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. Welcome home.
Stephen Paul Shaner
Gary Glen Winter
Jesus Rosas Cruz . . . — — Map (db m170769) WM
Dedicated to the heroic sons of wood county
who stand in the unbroken line of patriots
who dared to die that freedom might live,
and grow, and increase its blessings. freedom
lives, and through it, they live in a way
that humbles the . . . — — Map (db m193000) HM
Dedicated to the heroic soldiers of Wood County
who stand in the unbroken line of patriots
who dared to die that freedom might live
and grow and increase its blessings.
Freedom lives and through it, they live -- in a way
that humbles the . . . — — Map (db m193397) WM
"In memory and honor of all who served in World
War II. Ever protect the freedoms for which
they fought."
★ Robert Carson
★ Frank Sterling
★ Wayne Phillips
Harold Bronson
James Carson
Meluin Cammell . . . — — Map (db m170221) WM
In memory of Lieut. Wilson W. Brown
Medal of Honor winner
who is buried here. He joined the famous Andrews Raid to wreck Confederate supply lines. The raiders captured a locomotive, "The General," at Big . . . — — Map (db m275287) HM WM
Fostoria's glass era began when natural gas was discovered in the mid 1880s at Godsend, five miles west of town. Aided by former governor Charles Foster, Fostoria attracted more than a dozen companies that manufactured utilitarian and decorative . . . — — Map (db m245415) HM
In the mid-70s, Toledoans Don and
Audrey Entenman took a Sunday
drive upriver and discovered a
"Victorian Jewel",
Grand Rapids, Ohio.
Over the next several decades, the
couple's love of history, restoration,
and an entrepreneurial vision . . . — — Map (db m170205) HM
This site is dedicated to Dominick Labino, 1910-1987, glass scientist, engineer, artist, and inventor. Credited with 57 patents, Mr. Labino invented pure silica fiber which was used in insulating tiles covering the space shuttle Columbia and the . . . — — Map (db m4026) HM
On this site in 1848, the Presbyterians and Methodists entered into a situation unique to Gilead, as Grand Rapids was then known, by jointly constructing a frame church for worship James Purdy, grantor, sold the lot for five dollars for religious . . . — — Map (db m169636) HM
This site, at the head of the Great Rapids of the Maumee, has been a major river crossing for centuries. The village was platted in 1833 as Gilead but was overshadowed by rival Providence during the canal era. In 1868 the name Grand Rapids was . . . — — Map (db m41973) HM
The above mosaic art installation
is in memory of Julie Pontasch, who
was one of the founders of the
Grand Rapids Sunset Jazz Fest (2005),
a board member of the Grand Rapids
Arts Council (GRAC) from 2004 to 2014
and a person who loved . . . — — Map (db m183599) HM
This property donated
to the Village in 1995
by David LaRoe.
The present shelter was
constructed in 2000.
This chimney was part of
the original 1940's building. — — Map (db m183597) HM
[The map indicates several locations as well as dates for some of the locations:]
Providence Metropark
Maumee River
Miami and Erie Canal
Providence Dam (1838)
Lock No. 9
Large Island
Grand Rapids
Dam (1836) . . . — — Map (db m195543) HM
Thomas Howard, aged 66, a Revolutionary War veteran, arrived at the head of the great rapids of the Maumee from New York State in 1822. Three cabins were erected for his family and the families of his two sons Edward and Robert. The first death in . . . — — Map (db m4027) HM
Built by Azor Thurston (1861-1922), analytical chemist, textbook author, and pharmacist, this 30 x 75 foot yellow brick building served continuously as a pharmacy for 115 years, until 2011. The Thurston family lived upstairs.
The . . . — — Map (db m275135) HM
The Long-Judson Parker pony truss bridge was designed by R. M. Strohl of Clague and Strohl Company, Bowling Green, Ohio and built by the Elkhart Bridge & Iron Company of Elkhart, Indiana in 1916. It carried Wood County's Township Road 79A . . . — — Map (db m185134) HM
Born July 25, 1832, near Worthington, Ohio, John Alf Wilson lived at this site. At the age of 29, he enlisted in C. Company, 21st Ohio Volunteer Infantry under General O.M. Mitchell. General Mitchell consented to a dangerous mission led by John . . . — — Map (db m20412) HM
Dedicated to all who have served
Army
Navy
Coast
Guard
Air Force
Marines
Brendon Thompson George Mumy Burton Sieber Dennis Myers Don Farquharson Ray Quiroga Dale Kern James Singleton Lee Kline Orly Van Horn . . . — — Map (db m265321) WM
[North side of Marker]:Fort Miamis Reserve
“River tracts 46 and 47 in Township No. 1 United States Reserve” is the official description of the Miltonville location.
The “United States Reserve” was the . . . — — Map (db m25871) HM
Ohio's
Revolutionary
Memorial
Trail
Text on West Side :
Harrison's
March 1813
- - - - -
25
Miles to
Whittaker's
Reserve
Text on East Side :
Harrison's
March 1813
- - . . . — — Map (db m93495) HM
