WALKING TOUR
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1. THE LOG CABIN
This quaint cabin serves as the Historical Society’s Welcome Center to Grand Rapids.
Visitors can obtain brochures about Northwest Ohio attractions and view a map of the
immediate area, along with enjoying the gardens and windmill surrounding the cabin. It
is a great location for photographers or artists to capture the Maumee River below.
Visitors can obtain brochures about Northwest Ohio attractions and view a map of the
immediate area, along with enjoying the gardens and windmill surrounding the cabin. It
is a great location for photographers or artists to capture the Maumee River below.
2. BLUEBELL ISLAND
Bluebell Island was located in the Old Miami and Erie Sidecut Canal basin at the east end
of the business block. Canal boats turned around here to head west to return to the
Miami and Erie Canal across the river. The island was filled in because of erosion. Today
visitors can rest on a bench and listen to the river as it flows over the rapids.
They can cross the footbridge over the canal spillway for a scenic hike down
the Old Gilead Side Cut towpath down to the dam at Mary Jane Thurston State Park.
of the business block. Canal boats turned around here to head west to return to the
Miami and Erie Canal across the river. The island was filled in because of erosion. Today
visitors can rest on a bench and listen to the river as it flows over the rapids.
They can cross the footbridge over the canal spillway for a scenic hike down
the Old Gilead Side Cut towpath down to the dam at Mary Jane Thurston State Park.
3. BOY SCOUT CABIN
The first Scout Troop in Grand Rapids was started in 1926. The troop met until
December of 1927. It was reorganized as Troop #204 in 1928. It was again
reorganized as Troop #317 in 1930. In 1936, the present Troop #325 was organized,
sponsored by the school. The present scout cabin was built in 1949 on Hamlin
Street between the canal and the Maumee River.
December of 1927. It was reorganized as Troop #204 in 1928. It was again
reorganized as Troop #317 in 1930. In 1936, the present Troop #325 was organized,
sponsored by the school. The present scout cabin was built in 1949 on Hamlin
Street between the canal and the Maumee River.
4. STUMP'S MILL
Frank M. Stump and his two brothers traveled to Ohio from Germany. Frank
operated Crystal Mills in Grand Rapids around 1890. Daniel Frank Stump was operating
Stump’s Mill behind the Hockman Building along the canal when the fire of 1898
destroyed many local businesses, including the mill. During 1900, Daniel and Walter
Herbert built a new steam-powered brick mill at Mill and Front Streets. Long lines of
horse-drawn wagons and cars pulling trailers lined the street as farmers
waited their turns to have grain reduced to flour or livestock feed.
In 1977, the old mill was purchased by Donald Entenman.
operated Crystal Mills in Grand Rapids around 1890. Daniel Frank Stump was operating
Stump’s Mill behind the Hockman Building along the canal when the fire of 1898
destroyed many local businesses, including the mill. During 1900, Daniel and Walter
Herbert built a new steam-powered brick mill at Mill and Front Streets. Long lines of
horse-drawn wagons and cars pulling trailers lined the street as farmers
waited their turns to have grain reduced to flour or livestock feed.
In 1977, the old mill was purchased by Donald Entenman.
5. THE MILL HOUSE
BED AND BREAKFAST
This building, formerly Stump’s Mill, became a bed and breakfast in 1992. Visitors
enjoy a memorable stay complete with a delicious breakfast with home-baked
treats prepared by Ron and Kathy Munk.
24070 Front St.
enjoy a memorable stay complete with a delicious breakfast with home-baked
treats prepared by Ron and Kathy Munk.
24070 Front St.
6. GRUBER HOUSE
Built in 1860 by one of the first pioneers, Alfred Gruber, the home is a Greek Revival
design. It has had many renovations over the years.
24049 Front St.
design. It has had many renovations over the years.
24049 Front St.
7. HOUSLEY HOUSE
Richard Housley built this Victorian manor in 1886 for his Southern bride. The home is
listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In the 1950s, it was converted into
apartments. The home was purchased by entrepreneurs Don and Audrey Entenman in the 1970s.
They remodeled the home into a majestic manor that sits on the lofty banks of the mighty Maumee River.
The home was operated as a bed and breakfast for a number of years, but now is a private resident.
It has a beautiful English rose garden in the back.
24055 Front St.
listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In the 1950s, it was converted into
apartments. The home was purchased by entrepreneurs Don and Audrey Entenman in the 1970s.
They remodeled the home into a majestic manor that sits on the lofty banks of the mighty Maumee River.
The home was operated as a bed and breakfast for a number of years, but now is a private resident.
It has a beautiful English rose garden in the back.
24055 Front St.
8. FLOOD MARKERS
Located on Front Street, this marker displays depths of the remarkable floods in
Grand Rapids. Flood levels are also marked at the entrance to the Isaac Mill.
Grand Rapids. Flood levels are also marked at the entrance to the Isaac Mill.
9. LAROE'S RESTAURANT
Dave LaRoe purchased two buildings on Front Street and started rehabilitation of these
Kerr buildings on the north side of Front Street in 1981. He installed new tin ceilings
using historic patterns appropriate to the construction of the building. In the tavern
area, the original wood floors and oak bar were restored. The original woodwork in the
upstairs space was cleaned and restored. The exterior of the two buildings, while very
similar, are not identical. Two different colors of brick were used. The storefront posts in
the building on the left are iron while the ones on the right are wood.
Dave had the exterior brick repointed, new windows milled to match the originals,
and the tin surrounding the upstairs windows repaired and repainted.
His restaurant, a popular destination, has operated successfully since the 1980s.
Some years ago, Dave added a patio overlooking the canal,
and this is a very popular dining experience during the warm months.
Dave was awarded the Ohio History Connections 2014 State Historic Preservation Award
for his efforts in preserving these two historic buildings.
24138 Front St.
Kerr buildings on the north side of Front Street in 1981. He installed new tin ceilings
using historic patterns appropriate to the construction of the building. In the tavern
area, the original wood floors and oak bar were restored. The original woodwork in the
upstairs space was cleaned and restored. The exterior of the two buildings, while very
similar, are not identical. Two different colors of brick were used. The storefront posts in
the building on the left are iron while the ones on the right are wood.
Dave had the exterior brick repointed, new windows milled to match the originals,
and the tin surrounding the upstairs windows repaired and repainted.
His restaurant, a popular destination, has operated successfully since the 1980s.
Some years ago, Dave added a patio overlooking the canal,
and this is a very popular dining experience during the warm months.
Dave was awarded the Ohio History Connections 2014 State Historic Preservation Award
for his efforts in preserving these two historic buildings.
24138 Front St.
10. LINCOLN STREET
This quaint bricked rest area between LaRoe’s Restaurant and Library House Books and
Art is the location of public restrooms, a water fountain and benches for visitors.
Access to the canal towpath is made easy via a footbridge.
It serves as the pathway through which thousands of visitors have passed on their way
to perhaps “the most beautiful spot in North America”, the Great Rapids of the Maumee River.
A Lincoln Street Revitalization Project was completed in 2017 which added landscaping, a water feature
and a plaque commemorating the role played by Don and Audrey Entenman in the transformation of
Grand Rapids from an aging river town to the vibrant village it is today.
Art is the location of public restrooms, a water fountain and benches for visitors.
Access to the canal towpath is made easy via a footbridge.
It serves as the pathway through which thousands of visitors have passed on their way
to perhaps “the most beautiful spot in North America”, the Great Rapids of the Maumee River.
A Lincoln Street Revitalization Project was completed in 2017 which added landscaping, a water feature
and a plaque commemorating the role played by Don and Audrey Entenman in the transformation of
Grand Rapids from an aging river town to the vibrant village it is today.
11. JERRY WRIGHT PAVILION
This open-air pavilion was completed on the north side of the canal in the summer of
2000. It is named for Jerry Wright who served his community and church all of his life;
he died in 2013. It is available to reserve free of charge for gatherings. The programs of
the music series Rhythm on the River, sponsored by the Historical Society, are held here
along with many other community events.
2000. It is named for Jerry Wright who served his community and church all of his life;
he died in 2013. It is available to reserve free of charge for gatherings. The programs of
the music series Rhythm on the River, sponsored by the Historical Society, are held here
along with many other community events.
12. TOWPATH
The trail follows the remains of the Miami and Erie Canal along the old towpath
where mules towed flat-bottom boats along the waterway. It’s a peaceful walk with
historic sites along the way. Lined by trees, most of the path is covered with crushed stone.
where mules towed flat-bottom boats along the waterway. It’s a peaceful walk with
historic sites along the way. Lined by trees, most of the path is covered with crushed stone.
13. GRAND RAPIDS PLANING MILL
The origin of this mill is obscure. It was located behind the Masonic Building on
Front Street. J.L. Peugh had the building called Peugh Planning Mill in 1888. He made
carriage and wagon parts at the mill. J.S. Foor leased the mill from Peugh in 1888 and
called it the Grand Rapids Planing Mill. Richard A. Housley purchased the mill from Peugh in 1894
and added a sawmill and bending works. It was the largest such mill in Northwest Ohio.
Front Street. J.L. Peugh had the building called Peugh Planning Mill in 1888. He made
carriage and wagon parts at the mill. J.S. Foor leased the mill from Peugh in 1888 and
called it the Grand Rapids Planing Mill. Richard A. Housley purchased the mill from Peugh in 1894
and added a sawmill and bending works. It was the largest such mill in Northwest Ohio.
14. OLD FIRE STATION
This station was built and started operations in November of 1928. Opening day was
in February 1929. The Historical Society of Grand Rapids now leases the building from
the Village. It contains two meeting areas, a large truck bay, smaller meeting room,
kitchen, restrooms, and offers the use of tables and chairs. The building can be rented
for events, classes, reunions, parties, etc.
24232 Front St.
in February 1929. The Historical Society of Grand Rapids now leases the building from
the Village. It contains two meeting areas, a large truck bay, smaller meeting room,
kitchen, restrooms, and offers the use of tables and chairs. The building can be rented
for events, classes, reunions, parties, etc.
24232 Front St.
15. HOWARD PARK
This location was once home to commercial establishments such as general stores and
hardwares. Grain elevators, warehouses and loading docks also lined the canal banks.
A flurry of canal boats loaded and unloaded their cargoes here. Eventually, the buildings
were destroyed and the land was presented to the town for a park. It provides a natural
setting where veterans’ groups conduct Memorial Day services each year. This is also
where applebutter is stirred on the second Sunday in October when the Historical
Society holds its famous Applebutter Fest. The park located at the west of the business
block and contains playground equipment and picnic tables. Access to the canal
towpath is granted here via a footbridge.
hardwares. Grain elevators, warehouses and loading docks also lined the canal banks.
A flurry of canal boats loaded and unloaded their cargoes here. Eventually, the buildings
were destroyed and the land was presented to the town for a park. It provides a natural
setting where veterans’ groups conduct Memorial Day services each year. This is also
where applebutter is stirred on the second Sunday in October when the Historical
Society holds its famous Applebutter Fest. The park located at the west of the business
block and contains playground equipment and picnic tables. Access to the canal
towpath is granted here via a footbridge.
16. GRAND RAPIDS TOWN HALL
By an act of the State Legislature authorization for the building was sanctioned on March 21, 1896. The building is a two-story square brick building which has a hip roof. There is a massive brick arch with a keystone dated 1898. Above the center bay is a flat arch window rising upward blending into a square wood belfry. The belfry itself has a steeply pitch roof, three arched and lowered openings on each façade and small turrets in each corner. WK and Howard Evans were the state roofing contractors. The only original slate remaining is on the Cupola. A new roof was installed in 1969.
The interior houses a first floor containing Village and Historical Society offices and the theater on the second. The sloped roof is quite rare today and is an asset to the performer. The upper story of the building was used for graduations until 1936. In recent years the Historical Society has restored the theater, allowing it to be used for its original purpose of hosting town events and plays. On May 27, 1975 the Romanesque style Townhall was placed on the national register of historic places.
24282 Front Street.
The interior houses a first floor containing Village and Historical Society offices and the theater on the second. The sloped roof is quite rare today and is an asset to the performer. The upper story of the building was used for graduations until 1936. In recent years the Historical Society has restored the theater, allowing it to be used for its original purpose of hosting town events and plays. On May 27, 1975 the Romanesque style Townhall was placed on the national register of historic places.
24282 Front Street.
17. BOAT DOCKS
There are 10 short-term courtesy docks for boaters to dock their boats and enjoy the
attractions that the Village has to offer. The docks are adjacent to the West Street Boat Launch and are ADA accessible.
attractions that the Village has to offer. The docks are adjacent to the West Street Boat Launch and are ADA accessible.
18. THE GRANARY/WICHMAN HOUSE
The repurposed old granary was rescued from a country location. There are still
bin marks in the interior.
24399 Front St.
bin marks in the interior.
24399 Front St.
19. HUFFMAN ICE HOUSE
This home was located at the end of Front Street. In ages past, ice was cut from the
quarry nearby, packed in sawdust, and stored in the ice house.
quarry nearby, packed in sawdust, and stored in the ice house.
20. THE GRAND KERR HOUSE
The Queen Anne Home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Successful
business owners Benjamin Franklin and Ann Pratt Kerr watched their home being built
over three years starting in 1880. The Kerrs and their descendants occupied the house
for nearly 100 years. In 1997, it was purchased by Laurie Hostetler who spent two years
restoring the Victorian Mansion to its original grandeur. She operated it as a nationally-
known health and wellness spa for 35 years. Today it is a bed and breakfast called The
Grand Kerr House and is operated by Bob and Cathy Trame.
17777 Beaver St.
business owners Benjamin Franklin and Ann Pratt Kerr watched their home being built
over three years starting in 1880. The Kerrs and their descendants occupied the house
for nearly 100 years. In 1997, it was purchased by Laurie Hostetler who spent two years
restoring the Victorian Mansion to its original grandeur. She operated it as a nationally-
known health and wellness spa for 35 years. Today it is a bed and breakfast called The
Grand Kerr House and is operated by Bob and Cathy Trame.
17777 Beaver St.
21. JACOB HEETER HOUSE
This home is also known as the Gingerbread House. It was built in the 1870’s and
renovated in the early 1990s.
24486 Second St.
renovated in the early 1990s.
24486 Second St.
22. GABRIEL GUYER HOUSE
This is said to be the oldest house in Grand Rapids. Many additions have been added
over the years.
24423 Second St.
over the years.
24423 Second St.
23. BARR HOUSE
Dr. Daniel R. Barr practiced medicine in a little building behind his home on Second St.
from 1911-1915 and from 1921-1950. There was also a carriage house which housed his
laboratory. The last remaining outhouse in the village, now used as a garden shed, is
also on the property. Other owners of the house were Dave LaRoe and Denny and Deb
McDonald, and the current residents are Tim Brown and Josh Goltiao. They have done
extensive work inside the home and plan to do more. They have installed antique
wrought iron fencing around the yard, and are restoring the home with various period
light fixtures, historic paint colors, and wallpaper. They are furnishing the home in
Victorian furniture and restored the widow’s watch on top of the roof with a railing
system that allows guests to enjoy the view of the downtown and Maumee River.
24064 W. Second St.
from 1911-1915 and from 1921-1950. There was also a carriage house which housed his
laboratory. The last remaining outhouse in the village, now used as a garden shed, is
also on the property. Other owners of the house were Dave LaRoe and Denny and Deb
McDonald, and the current residents are Tim Brown and Josh Goltiao. They have done
extensive work inside the home and plan to do more. They have installed antique
wrought iron fencing around the yard, and are restoring the home with various period
light fixtures, historic paint colors, and wallpaper. They are furnishing the home in
Victorian furniture and restored the widow’s watch on top of the roof with a railing
system that allows guests to enjoy the view of the downtown and Maumee River.
24064 W. Second St.
24. NEW FIRE STATION
The Grand Rapids Township Fire Department, a 100% volunteer unit, is housed in
a pre-engineered metal building with offices, full kitchen, safe room and four bays.
The new station was completed in 2014.
17706 Wapakoneta Rd.
a pre-engineered metal building with offices, full kitchen, safe room and four bays.
The new station was completed in 2014.
17706 Wapakoneta Rd.
25. GRAND RAPIDS PIRATES PARK
On this site in 1878, a two-story brick schoolhouse with two classes on each floor was
built. One of the classrooms on the second floor was the Grand Rapids High School. This
building was used forty years. A new high school was built in 1916 east of the original high school. The Pirate mascot was adopted during the 1930s, so the park’s name is a tribute to the Grand Rapids Pirates who were the original students to occupy the school.
Corner of Second St., Wapakoneta Rd. and Second St.
built. One of the classrooms on the second floor was the Grand Rapids High School. This
building was used forty years. A new high school was built in 1916 east of the original high school. The Pirate mascot was adopted during the 1930s, so the park’s name is a tribute to the Grand Rapids Pirates who were the original students to occupy the school.
Corner of Second St., Wapakoneta Rd. and Second St.
26. GRAND RAPIDS BRANCH
OF THE WESTON LIBRARY
A local history room is housed in the library. It contains numerous resources, artifacts,
and books specific to the history of Grand Rapids.
17620 Bridge St.
and books specific to the history of Grand Rapids.
17620 Bridge St.
27. GRAND RAPIDS AREA
SWIMMING POOL
The Grand Rapids Swimming Pool, located near Bridge and Third Streets, was organized
in 1968 and financed by an FHA loan and donations from residents. The first pool
manager was James Meeker.
Bridge and Third Sts.
in 1968 and financed by an FHA loan and donations from residents. The first pool
manager was James Meeker.
Bridge and Third Sts.
28. LABINO PARK
This park is a complex for recreation in the village and contains an all-purpose court for
basketball, tennis and inline roller hockey along with picnic tables. Dominic Labino was
an internationally-known local inventor and glass blower. There is also a historic marker
in honor of “Nick”.
basketball, tennis and inline roller hockey along with picnic tables. Dominic Labino was
an internationally-known local inventor and glass blower. There is also a historic marker
in honor of “Nick”.
29. HOWARD CEMETERY
The Cemetery stands at the corner of Front Street and Wapakoneta Road. It features
an ornate iron fence and includes the veterans’ monument and World War II artillery
gun. Members of the Howard family who settled here in 1820 and the first white
settlers on the south bank are buried here. Thomas Howard, who passed away in 1825, was a Revolutionary War soldier. Tee-Na-Beek, who is believed to be the last Ottawa Indian left in the Maumee Valley and died in the 1850s, is also buried here. His widow had no burial spot, so his friend Dresden Howard allowed the Indian’s body to be placed outside the iron fence.
Corner of Front St. and Wapakoneta Rd.
an ornate iron fence and includes the veterans’ monument and World War II artillery
gun. Members of the Howard family who settled here in 1820 and the first white
settlers on the south bank are buried here. Thomas Howard, who passed away in 1825, was a Revolutionary War soldier. Tee-Na-Beek, who is believed to be the last Ottawa Indian left in the Maumee Valley and died in the 1850s, is also buried here. His widow had no burial spot, so his friend Dresden Howard allowed the Indian’s body to be placed outside the iron fence.
Corner of Front St. and Wapakoneta Rd.
30. CANAL EXPERIENCE
Canal boats once carried goods and people 249 miles between Toledo and Cincinnati,
linking Lake Erie and the Ohio River. At Providence, you can get a sense of what canal
traffic was like during a trip aboard an authentic, mule-drawn canal boat on an
original section of the Miami and Erie Canal. The Volunteer, pulled by mules,
travels along more than a mile of the original Miami and Erie Canal and passes
through Lock #44, one of the last functioning 19th century limestone locks. The one-
hour boat rides are narrated by living history interpreters.
13801 S. River Rd.
linking Lake Erie and the Ohio River. At Providence, you can get a sense of what canal
traffic was like during a trip aboard an authentic, mule-drawn canal boat on an
original section of the Miami and Erie Canal. The Volunteer, pulled by mules,
travels along more than a mile of the original Miami and Erie Canal and passes
through Lock #44, one of the last functioning 19th century limestone locks. The one-
hour boat rides are narrated by living history interpreters.
13801 S. River Rd.
31. ISAAC R. LUDWIG HISTORIC MILL
When settlers migrated this way, the first thing they needed was a sawmill, and it was
built in 1822 by Peter Manor. The first grist mill between Fort Meigs and Fort Wayne
was added in 1835. In 1846, a new three-story flour mill was constructed. The mill was sold to Isaac R. Ludwig in 1865 by the original owner, Peter Manor’s son. The mill pumped water for the Toledo, Delphos and Burlington Railroad’s water tower at the north end of the railroad bridge. Toledo Edison purchased the electric power rights in 1915. On March 25, 1940, a fire struck the mill a devastating blow. The belief was that a passing locomotive blew a spark through an open roof hatch. The third and most of the second story were gone. Many firefighters battled the fire for over four hours. In 1971, the mill was sold to Cleo Ludwig who donated it to the Metropolitan Park Board in honor of his great-grandfather, Isaac R. Ludwig.
13496-13600 S. River Rd.
built in 1822 by Peter Manor. The first grist mill between Fort Meigs and Fort Wayne
was added in 1835. In 1846, a new three-story flour mill was constructed. The mill was sold to Isaac R. Ludwig in 1865 by the original owner, Peter Manor’s son. The mill pumped water for the Toledo, Delphos and Burlington Railroad’s water tower at the north end of the railroad bridge. Toledo Edison purchased the electric power rights in 1915. On March 25, 1940, a fire struck the mill a devastating blow. The belief was that a passing locomotive blew a spark through an open roof hatch. The third and most of the second story were gone. Many firefighters battled the fire for over four hours. In 1971, the mill was sold to Cleo Ludwig who donated it to the Metropolitan Park Board in honor of his great-grandfather, Isaac R. Ludwig.
13496-13600 S. River Rd.
32. PROVIDENCE DAM AND WPA SHELTER
This State Dam was first built of wood in 1838 and originally constructed to keep the
canal filled with water. It was rebuilt of concrete in 1908 when the state attempted
to pump new life into its canals. However, the canals failed completely in 1913
when statewide flooding caused severe damage to the canal banks.
canal filled with water. It was rebuilt of concrete in 1908 when the state attempted
to pump new life into its canals. However, the canals failed completely in 1913
when statewide flooding caused severe damage to the canal banks.