In this series we are taking an historical look at an area that covers approximately a mile of Main Street in downtown Marblehead. Heading east from the Village limits, we will discover the facts and the stories of how Marblehead became what it is today. [This is the 18th article in the series] 414 1/2 W. Main This is a continuation of the story of the former Ben Richmond Gallery that was featured in last month’s article. When the gallery opened in 1981, Ben and his wife We

When was the last time you stopped into the library? If it’s been a while, September is the perfect time to come back! Every September is Library Card Sign Up Month, where libraries highlight the benefits of having a card. The American Library Association, choosing September to mark the beginning of the school year, started the initiative in 1987. This year, our libraries are offering some extra incentives for new patrons signing up for a card: a welcome kit including a bag/t

Port Clinton Yacht Club sits on a large plot of land between the Portage River and Lake Erie, with access to the lake via the river. Historically family-oriented, it offers events, private and public, year-round to members, their families, and guests. Aside from the clubhouse, which has a lounge, it offers a pool, two sand beaches, tennis, shuffleboard, sailing, boating, and a marina, among many other amenities. There is no restaurant, but potlucks and other food-based gather

In this series we are taking an historical look at an area that covers approximately a mile of Main Street in downtown Marblehead. Heading east from the Village limits, we will discover the facts and the stories of how Marblehead became what it is today. [This is #17 in the series] Next to the VFW were two buildings that were combined into one. They are now the home of the Marblehead Soap Company and the Dziak Gallery at 417 W. Main St. The right side of the building was o

This Port Clinton firm evidently existed only for a short time, but I’d like to think that these entrepreneurs felt they’d been successful nonetheless. I found very little information about the company, but the history of the buggy itself clarified the reason for the company’s abbreviated existence. The term “buggy” was new in the 18th century. In his Treatise on Carriages (1796), London coach-maker William Fulton first used it to describe a light phaeton or chaise built to

In this series we are taking an historical look at an area that covers approximately a mile of Main Street in downtown Marblehead. Heading east from the Village limits, we will discover the facts and the stories of how Marblehead became what it is today. [This is the 16th article.] The VFW is at 421 Main Street, on the corner of Alexander Pike and Main. In 1891, the land was owned by A. A. Clemons. It was listed as Lot #1 in the Erie View Subdivision, which is now Alexander

Waterworks Park on Perry Street took its name from the Waterworks building erected there about 1888 to pump water from the Portage River for distribution throughout town. At that time, the superintendent of the “works” and his family lived on the top floor. The building expanded in the early 20th century, becoming a municipal site. The park itself has moved through many layers of planning and change since then. Recent planning has served to enhance public access and, theref

In this series we are taking an historical look at an area that covers approximately a mile of Main Street in downtown Marblehead. Heading east from the Village limits, we will discover the facts and the stories of how Marblehead became what it is today. [This is article #15] There is a new parking lot next to the Village of Marblehead Town Hall. For over 100 years, this spot, 505 West Main Street, was the location of the Mutach’s Market building. The Leon Mutach family

Lakeview Park, on Perry Street, has much to offer us: beach access, lawn and shade, garden areas, and the amenities—a pavilion, basketball court, picnic areas, a bathhouse/restroom, and the county’s first Flagship Collaborative Play Place—are used by residents and tourists whenever the weather cooperates here on the lake. Private events, such as reunions and birthday parties, are held there, as well as are public events, such as Arts in the Park, held in August every year, an

Town Hall & New Fire Station In this series we are taking an historical look at an area that covers approximately a mile of Main Street in downtown Marblehead. Heading east from the Village limits, we will discover the facts and the stories of how Marblehead became what it is today. [This is article #14 in the series.] Across Main Street from the Kelleys Island Ferry Boat line is the Village of Marblehead Town Hall. Built of limestone in 1912, today it houses on the lower