Last year I purchased two Toledo books of note. They are from a series called “Images of America”, Toledo—The 19th Century and The 20th Century. I will quote from the back of the former,

Toledo incorporated in 1837. Its canals, railroads, and natural resources inspired Jesup W. Scott to proclaim Toledo “The Future Great City of the World.” Such boosterism overstated the case, but Toledo did soon attract manufacturers of farm wagons, bicycles, and beer. And in 1888, Edward Drummond Libbey relocated his glass company to the city, creating a catalyst for other glass-manufacturing ventures. Toledo: The 19th Century illustrates the city’s early struggles and eventual success as “The Glass Capital of the World.”

These are more than just “picture books” as I’ve learned quite a bit about Toledo’s notable past by flipping through them in my spare time. It’s a reassuring reminder that although Toledo has struggled from the start, there have always been moments of greatness. Let’s keep them coming.

Amazon Links: “Images of America”, Toledo—The 19th Century & The 20th Century

Whitaker-Casper Home

A little over a week ago D. and I took our first home tour in the Old West End. Tours de Noel is an annual event produced by The Women of the Old West End featuring 7 homes and sites in one of this country’s largest historical districts.

Our first stop was Mansion View, a property the Old West End neighborhood association owns and runs as a bed and breakfast and is rented out for parties and events. It is a beautiful house, like many in the neighborhood, featuring amazing architectural features like woodwork you simply don’t see in cookie-cutter modern homes.

We enjoyed each stop on the tour, including Our Lady Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral and the Park Lane Luxury Apartments which held a holiday boutique and “cookie walk” as part of the event. I did have a favorite… the Whitaker-Casper home (pictured above).

Keep an eye out for the home tours that usually accompany The Old West End Festival in June of each year!

More about The Women of The Old West End.

Friday night was the Second Annual ‘Tis the Secor Show at the Secor Building downtown. Highlights included an exhibit of works from 40+ local artists, open studios and live music.

One of my favorite pieces was front and center in the lobby — a portrait by Richard Reed of his friend Marty.

It’s beautifully done.

There was live music in the lobby including Toledo’s best experimental group, KDB.

After leaving the Secor show we met up with friends for drinks at Wesley’s in uptown. It’s a sure bet on Friday nights and features some of my favorite pro-Toledo decor, including the infamous “You Will Do Better in Toledo” sign, the original of which is sadly long gone.

We finished things up with a nightcap at The Attic on Adams the new hotspot above Manos. Hope to see you there soon!

The Secor Building | 425 Jefferson St @ Superior | Downtown

KBD | myspace.com/kbdtoledo

Wesley’s | 1201 Adams Street | 419-255-3333

The Attic on Adams | 1701 Adams St. | 419-243-5350

On a whim, we took a midnight bicycle ride tonight. We were careful — kept our front and back blinkers on and stayed mostly on the sidewalks. It was a very warm feeling 50-something, so I grabbed a light jacket and scarf and we rode. I didn’t feel like bothering to take a photo but I am reminded of The Triplets of Belleville so I am grabbing a screenshot from a favorite film that captures the spirit of this post. It was a wonderful ride.

Rent it, Netflix it, Amazon it, or just borrow it from the Toledo Public Library. It’s a French film but you need not know a lick of French or worry about subtitles. Trust me.

Once more, I will make note of Toledo’s importance in bicycle history because it is just that… a piece of history.

Built in 1880 and lovingly restored in the 1970′s, The Kerr House is where I spent the last weekend before the Election for a little R&R. Every detail in this Victorian mansion is perfect for the period, from the antique furnishings and decorations to the wallpapers and lighting. Breakfast was served in bed to start off a day of massages, sauna and yoga with Laurie.

My room was beautiful — like I was living inside a jewelry box. It was the perfect setting to read The Devil in the White City, a superb drama happening during the Chicago Worlds Fair and factually based.

The Kerr House | 17777 Beaver Street | Grand Rapids, OH | (419) 832-1733