How did the little Village of Ottawa Hills, Ohio become the home of some of the biggest names in U.S. and world history - industrialists and writers, architects and visionaries?
Their footprints can be seen in the lush greenery and architectural grandeur of the Village. They inspired its nearly century-old commitment to the arts and excellence in our schools. They walked these woods and rolling hills, and saw in them the promise of an idyllic environment with the best of everything.
Who were these people? Find out in "A Promise Kept," the culmination of 10 years of research and writing by local historian James C. Marshall. Filled with archival and current color photos of people and homes, this beautifully illustrated hardcover book sheds light on the fascinating people who created and nurtured the character and culture of Ottawa Hills.
The cover is from "Ottawa River," a painting by Edmond Osthaus (1858 - 1928.)
Mayor Youngen
This project was funded by the Ottawa Hills Foundation and dedicated to retired Mayor Jean Youngen, whose inspiration and encouragement made this book a reality. During 26 years of public service, she gave her energy, patience, and wisdom to our community. Former Mayor Youngen died in December 2004.
Excerpts
"The Reubens set up housekeeping in the Park Lane Hotel in Toledo, property that Reuben managed. They often explored the old Hasty farm and picnicked in the nearby meadows."
"On one of his travels Robert (Stranahan) convinced John
North Willys of the value of using spark plugs in motor cars. So in
1910 the Stranahans moved the Champion Spark Plug Company to Toledo to be
near the Willys-Overland operations."
"The home was built by the Mehring Company in 1929.
Carl Mehring, the builder, took such pride in the construction of this
Brookside home that he had its image carved into his headstone at Woodlawn
Cemetery."
"Kocher's
knowledge of gardening ... was respected at the national level. ...
seed companies came to Kocher asking him to develop a strain of Indian corn
that could withstand a blight that was threatening to destroy the species.
... his agricultural interests got him into trouble with Village officials."History
The Village of Ottawa Hills really got its start in 1915. John North Willys, president of the Overland Company, acquired approximately 1,200 acres beginning at the intersection of Bancroft Street and Indian Road and extending along the Ottawa River to Central Avenue.
The August 1, 1915 edition of the "Toledo Times" includes the following description:
"Landscape architects, city planning engineers, landscape gardeners, and other experts, backed by an army of workmen equipment with the latest machinery and tools have been steadily at work on the tract for over a year. They have practically completed the improvement of the first 100 acre unit of the development, lying at Arrowhead Point (former known as 5 Point). This is at the intersection of Bancroft Street, Secor and Indian Roads, a 20 minute ride from the business district. A cursory inspection of the property reveals the scale on which the improvements are being made. Practically 35% of it has been given over to park purposes. This includes the wooded area along the river's course, flanked on one side by Percifilous Bluff and the other side by a slope that rises, by gentle degrees, to a level with the top of the bluff. In the valley, river banks have been dressed gracefully to the water's edge.
A bird lake and a wading pool for children has been built. A boat house is being planned. Tennis courts, playgrounds, and recreation centers are projected. Theses are to be marked off and defined by winding boulevards and sylvan paths."
John North Willys turned to the E.H. Close Realty Company for
the actual development of Ottawa Hills.
The Close Realty Company had developed more than 1,000 acres of land in Toledo and the surrounding area. Planners, engineers, and architects with national reputations were involved in the layout and design of the Village. They were also involved with the creation of various restrictive covenants to assure proper quality development and construction of homes.
Several annexations have substantially changed the shape of the Village from the original 1,200 acres. However, much of the early development of the Village is very consistent with the original plans that date back to 1915. The portion of the Village adjacent to Secor Road and south of Bancroft Street, plat 1, is very similar in layout and design to the original plans. Many of the oldest homes in the Village are located in plat 1. E. H. Close lived in this plat in one of the first homes built in the Village.