Walking Tour Of Historic Downtown

WAPAKONETA, Ohio

Wapakoneta traces its roots to the 1780s when the Shawnee established a settlement along the banks of the

Auglaize River. They built their Council House not far from the river, named by the French for its clay-filled waters.

Many great American Indian leaders came to Wapakoneta to council, including Tecumseh, Little Turtle, Blue Jacket,

and the Shawnee’s elder chief, Black Hoof.

Early local historians attributed the name Wapakoneta to a per-

son, possibly a leader of the tribe. Recent information from Shawnee

scholars and native speakers of the language indicates that it means

white garment or white cloth, likely reflecting the community’s status

as a neutral (and therefore peaceful) location after the Treaty of

Greenville (1794). The earliest maps of the town spell its name as

Waughpaughkonnetta, which has evolved into Wapakoneta.

The Society of Friends, also known as Quakers, established a mis-

sion at Wapakoneta, living and working with the Shawnee. By 1814

they had erected a saw and grist mill on the banks of the Auglaize,

and constructed a school. In 1832 the federal government removed

the Shawnee from Ohio and sent them to Kansas. What had been their reservation was now open for white settlement.

Wapakoneta was platted in 1833 as part of Allen County. Its 84 lots sold for $20 to $140. Wapakoneta was little

more than a swampy, sleepy hamlet during its first decade and a half. However, on February 14, 1848, the Ohio Legis-

lature voted to create the new Auglaize County from portions of Allen and Mercer Counties, and Wapakoneta became

the county seat.

With the completion of the Dayton & Michigan

Railroad in 1858, Wapakoneta’s success was assured. It

became a prosperous shipping point in west central

Ohio. By the late 1800s local industry had developed

with a national reputation for butter churns, cast iron

cookware, furniture, and buggies. The number and

variety of manufacturers meant secure employment for

local residents, and Wapakoneta’s downtown devel-

oped to accommodate the growing population.

Wapakoneta gained international attention when

native son Neil Armstrong became the first person to

set foot on the moon in 1969. A world-

class museum dedicated to the history of

space exploration opened in Wapakoneta

in 1972, and continues to draw tens of

thousands of visitors annually. Today

Wapakoneta is a prosperous community

of nearly 10,000 located at I-75 and US

33, a major crossroads in American travel

and commerce. Then and now, Wapa-

koneta is an outstanding place to live or

visit.

Local history provided by Auglaize County Historical Society

Our Local History

First Auglaize County Courthouse on Blackhoof St.

Historic Greenlawn Cemetery

1200 Block - West Auglaize Street

Open daylight hours

Established in 1886, Greenlawn Cemetery is

the final resting place for some of Wapakoneta’s

most prominent citizens, including many refer-

enced in this brochure. The most elaborate grave

may belong to Charles Herbst. We don’t want to

give away all the details, but a temporary rail

spur was constructed to the cemetery to deliver

the 160 tons of granite for his monument.

Fort Amanda State Memorial

State Route 198, 8 miles north of Wapakoneta

Open daylight hours

Fort Amanda was one of a series of forts extending north

from Piqua to Fort Meigs (present

day Perrysburg), built by order of

General William Henry Harrison to

supply the United States army dur-

ing the war of 1812. The fort’s con-

struction began in the fall of 1812

under the direction of Lt. Col. Rob-

ert Poague, who named it Amanda

in honor of his daughter. The origi-

nal structure is no longer standing,

but a granite monument was built in 1915 at its site. Fort

Amanda is also home to a rich variety of plants and animals.

Trails lead through wooded ravines, down to the river, and

out to the monument, making the park a perfect place for a

walk or a picnic.

Other Points of Interest

Neil Armstrong Family Home

601 West Benton Street

Private residence; not open to the public

Stephen and Viola Armstrong moved their family to this

house about the time that their son Neil began at Blume High

School (from which he graduated in 1947). This well-

maintained, turn-of-the-century home is testimony to the

modest beginnings of the first human being to walk on the

Armstrong Air & Space Museum

500 Apollo Drive

Open Tuesday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and

Sundays and Holidays, noon to 5 p.m. Closed on

Thanksgiving.

Named in honor of Neil Armstrong,

first human being to set foot on the moon, this museum chron-

icles Ohio's contributions to the history of space flight. Among

the items on display are a F5D Sky Lancer, the Gemini VIII

spacecraft, Apollo 11 artifacts, and a moon rock. In the muse-

um's Astro-theater, multimedia presentations of the sights and

sounds of space unfold against a starry background. The mu-

seum is owned by the Ohio Historical Society and operated by

a local Armstrong Association.

Auglaize County Historical Society Museum

206 West Main Street

Open Sundays, 1-4 p.m.

Please call ahead 419/738-9328

The Wapakoneta Museum of the

Auglaize County Historical Society

houses artifacts that help tell the

unique story of Wapakoneta. You

won’t want to miss the two Kreitzer buggies, the Wapak Hol-

lowware (iron skillets and flat irons), or the new exhibit

about Auglaize County’s American Indians.

Black Hoof Memorial

U.S. 33 at State Route 65, St. Johns

5 miles east of Wapakoneta

Black Hoof was a chief of the Shaw-

nee. His Indian name was Catahecassa.

Black Hoof fought at the Battle of Fallen Timbers and repre-

sented the Shawnee at the signing of the Treaty of Greenville

in 1794.

Black Hoof became convinced that the Indians had no hope

against the whites except accommodation. He supported

peace with the Americans and encouraged all Shawnee to do

the same, but conflicts continued. Black Hoof proved to be a

major problem for Tecumseh and the Prophet as they tried to

unite the Indians against the white settlers during the early

1800s.

Black Hoof died in 1831, just a year before the Shawnee were

removed to Kansas. Quaker missionary Henry Harvey memo-

rialized him simply but completely when he stated that Black

Hoof “was always an advocate for his own nation.” The monu-

ment honoring Chief Black Hoof was erected at the St. Johns

Cemetery in 1976.

Visit Our Historic

Homes District

West Auglaize Street is home to some of Wapakoneta's most architecturally significant homes. They

represent many popular American house styles of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Please enjoy these

well-maintained buildings from the sidewalk, as they are all private residences.

304 Spanish Colonial Revival 305 Eastlake 307 Queen Anne 311 Sears & Roebuck (catalog house)

316 Cape Cod 405 and 407 Stick Style and Gothic Revival 411 and 503 Beaux Arts

305 405 407

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Auglaize Street’s Most Talented Family

Harry and Adelaide Stoutenburg Shannon moved them-

selves and their two children, Harry, Jr., and Hazel, to

Wapakoneta in 1913. But they were no ordinary fami-

ly. They were "The Four Original Shannons," a stage

act that had performed on the same bill as "The

Three Keatons" (Buster) and "The Four Cohans" (George

M.). The Shannons then formed their own road company,

which played throughout Ohio, and, indeed, much of the rest of the country. All

the while they maintained a home at 308 West Auglaize Street. Many members

of their troupe would also board here during the winter, with rehearsals for

the upcoming show held in the barn out back.

Harry Shannon, Jr.

Hazel Shannon

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HERITAGE PARK

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HERITAGE PARKWAY TO RIVERFRONT

Chamber of Commerce Start

Auglaize County Courthouse

Fire Station

Wapa Theatre

Historic Homes District

AUGLAIZE RIVER

Free Riverfront Parking

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Post Office NORTH

Wapakoneta’s

Civil War Era Block 1-13 W. Auglaize

The buildings at 1-13 West Auglaize Street form Wapa-koneta’s oldest brick commercial section. The communi-ty’s earliest commercial buildings were frame, but began to be replaced after the Civil War.

Constructed for German immigrant entrepreneurs, the substantial buildings display the restrained sim-plicity of early Italianate architecture in their arched windows and decorative window hoods.

One of the buildings had a past life as a silent movie theatre. Can you find the clue to this for-mer use?

Hirsch and Distelrath Blocks 2 and 4 E. Auglaize St.

The Hirsch and Distelrath buildings exemplify some of Wapakoneta’s finest historic commercial architecture. Their ornate faces--Hirsch executed in metal and Distelrath in stone--can be seen far down Willipie Street, which they face. Both buildings date from the last decade of the 19th century. When you look at the buildings, think of Wapakoneta in its early 20th century heyday:

Neither can anyone ever, ever tell you what Wapak was like on a Saturday night uptown. You literally el-bowed your way through. All the farmers came in….They wouldn’t go to the grocery until after the shows were over, so the stores had to stay open late… It was something else. —Harold Chrismer

The Kahn Block was constructed in the 1890s after the destruction of the early Mechanic Block in the only major fire to have occurred in Wapakoneta’s downtown. Abraham Kahn (later succeeded by his son Charles) was a prominent merchant whose dry goods store occupied this large, two-story building. The structure is now the home of the local Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Council.

Kahn Block 24-30 E. Auglaize

Heritage Parkway E. Auglaize

Heritage Parkway is the location of business-after-hours events, concerts, and other com-munity get-togethers. Be sure to read the plaques installed along the parkway, which provide more

information about Wapa-koneta’s early history. The parkway provides easy access between the commercial dis-

trict and the free riverfront parking area for Wapakoneta residents and guests alike.

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Walking Tour Map of Downtown Wapakoneta

Timmermeister & Rogers

116 W. Auglaize

This commercial building was con-structed in 1885 for Timmermeister & Rogers, a dry goods business that later evolved into a department store, considered one of the largest in this part of the state. The up-stairs now houses booths for the Auglaize Antique Mall, but was formerly the local opera house. You can still discover many clues to its former use, from the cast iron stair-case to the beautiful curved balcony that overlooks the sales floor. The current owner hopes to return the building’s façade to its original design.

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W.O.R. Depot 10 S. Blackhoof

The Western Ohio Railway began serving passengers and freight in 1902, connecting the area with cities as far away as Toledo, Cleveland, and Cincin-nati. The electric railway was an important method of trans-portation for the rural and small town residents of Auglaize County, many of whom did not yet own automobiles. Small freight could also be shipped economically. With the unceasing advancements in automobiles, the interurban rail system was doomed. The Western Ohio Railway ceased operations in 1932.

Hotel Steinburg 101 W. Auglaize

Adolph Steinburg was another enterprising and suc-cessful immigrant from Germany. After first managing the Burnett House in Wapakoneta, Steinburg con-structed his own hotel in 1898.

According to the 1898 county atlas, “the hospi-talities of this elegant house are so well known that Mr. Steinburg enjoys a lucrative and agreeable patronage.”

Wintzer Building

200 W. Auglaize

This handsome structure was constructed in 1872 as the home of Charles Wintzer and Family and as a showroom for the tanned hides produced by the company (founded in 1848). The round-arched windows and prominent cornice make this an exceptionally well-preserved example of Italianate com-mercial architecture. Still owned by the Wintzer family, the building was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2007.

Lewis & Harriet Blume Home 13 S. Blackhoof

The Blume House looks much dif-ferent today than in this 1880s il-lustration. A promi-nent early house, built for a successful early merchant, the house was turned into a textbook example of Queen Anne architecture—tower and all—in 1893. It well demonstrates how buildings can change over time.

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Nagel Block 109 W. Auglaize

The Nagel Block is one of the largest commercial buildings in downtown Wapakoneta and dates from the first decade of the 20th century. Built for a local furniture store owner and undertaker, the build-ing’s third floor housed Johnny Nagel’s Loft, a popular local dance hall for many years.

Charles F. Herbst

Adolph Steinburg 7

Taeusch Block 22 W. Auglaize

Like many of Wapakoneta’s early set-tlers, H.W. Taeusch immigrated from Germany with his family in the 1830s. “With the same industry and thrift

that has resulted in the pros-perity of so many of the sons of the Fatherland,” Taeusch established a grocery store in Wapakoneta in 1866. A frame structure was replaced in 1896 by the current build-ing. Like many Wapakoneta commercial buildings, the Taeusch Block did double (or even triple) duty, with the Masonic Temple housed in its upper story (note the fra-ternal symbol in gold in the center of the third floor).

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Herbst Building 107 W. Auglaize

The Herbst Building is one of Wapakoneta’s few exam-ples of Art Nouveau archi-tecture. Note, for example, the relief sculptures of griffins and foliage above the entrance; the current sign covers an or-nate, spider-web like transom. The size of the building belies Mr. Herbst’s position in the community during the early 20th century. He acquired so many farms that they were simply known by number, i.e., Herbst Farm #1, Herbst Farm #2, Herbst Farm # 100, etc.

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Mrs. Harriet Blume

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Historic photographs from the

Vern Doenges Collection and the Auglaize County Historical Society

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Presbyterian Church 206 W. Main

The First Presbyterian Church was constructed in 1862, mak-ing it the oldest Protestant church in existence in the county. It is also a very im-portant example of Greek Revival architecture; its recessed entrance flanked by two large columns is the only example of this “temple” style in nine counties of west-central Ohio. The building now houses the Wapakoneta Museum of the Auglaize County Histor-ical Society.

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John Nichols Home 103 S. Blackhoof

Blackhoof Street was the first “main” street in Wapakoneta, along which were built the first courthouse, the sheriff’ s residence and jail, and several prominent homes. The Civil War-era John Nichols House is such a building, constructed for an early settler and pioneer physician. Nichols built this house reminiscent of the Greek Revival structures with which he had grown up in Virgin-ia; note the roofline and door treatments of the cross-shaped building. Nichols office still stands, although much enlarged, to the south.

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Nichols Marker Blackhoof at Main

This Ohio Historical Society marker commemorates Dudley Nichols, the man who refused the Oscar. A Wapa-koneta native, Dudley Nichols

(grandson of John Nichols) was a newspa-per reporter turned screenwriter. In 1936 he received the Academy Award for The Informer. However, as a founder of the Screen Writers’ Guild, Nichols felt that Hollywood treated his profession unfairly and refused the honor. In fact, he spurned this Oscar three times before growing weary of returning it in the mail.

Wapakoneta’s Historic

Downtown Churches

17 — First English Lutheran Blackhoof & Mechanic - built 1892

18 — St. Paul United Church of Christ 101 S. Perry - built 1870

19 — St. Joseph’s Catholic Church 107 W. Pearl - built 1911

Three of Wapakoneta’s earliest religious congregations still main-tain their church operations in downtown Wapakoneta: St. Paul United Church of Christ (originally founded as a German Evan-gelical Lutheran congregation), First English Lutheran Church (also founded by German immigrants, but those who wished to use the English language during services), and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. St. Joseph’s Church and School, located on Pearl Street, are listed in the Na-tional Register of Historic Places as part of the land of the Cross-Tipped Churches, a collection of Catholic congregations across west-central Ohio (and into eastern Indiana) founded by German immigrants beginning in the 1830s.

Auglaize County Courthouse

Constructed in 1894, the courthouse retains much of its original architectural detail includ-ing stained-glass skylights, decorative tilework, and even light fixtures, furniture, and telephone

booth (a la Superman). To commemorate the building’s centennial, the Auglaize

County Historical Society restored the Statue of Justice, which

formerly stood on top of the tower, but now graces the building’s lobby. You are more than welcome to visit the courthouse during busi-ness houses—8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through

Friday--but please remember that this is a working building. Court may be in session!

Charles C. Berlin Home 106

Willipie

The Berlin House is among the last of the great Willipie Street homes, large Victorians con-structed adjacent to the downtown and the courthouse. The building was home to Dr. Charles Berlin, prominent physician and com-munity leader, for more than 35 years. The Berlins were a multi-generational family of physicians in Wapakoneta. Please enjoy this building from the sidewalk, as it is a private residence.

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St. Paul UCC Church

Wapakoneta City Building 103 Willipie

The 1885 Wapakoneta City Building continues to house the local fire department as it has for more than 120 years. (Wapakoneta’s municipal offices were also located on the second floor until the 1960s.) With its prominent round–arched windows and doorways, the building is a good example of the Rom-anesque Revival architecture so popular in the 19th centu-ry. Please visit the small glass structure in front of the building, in which early fire

United States Post Office 10 Willipie

Wapakoneta’s Post Office was constructed in 1937 by the federal government as part of its effort to provide work for citizens during the Great Depression. An example of Neo-classical architecture, the building is also noted for its lobby, which retains a mural about Auglaize County’s history by Works Project Administration artist Joseph Limarzi.

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Brown Theatre 15-19 Willipie

Michael Brown was one of Wapakoneta’s most successful industrialists and busi-nessmen. In 1877 he patented the Bent Wood churn, which was produced in Wapakoneta and sold throughout the United States. He also built this building in 1904, which housed Wapakoneta’s largest theater (first used for stage shows and later for movies). The fabu-lous neon marquee dates from the 1930s and a later owner, Emil George, who is reported to have seen a similar sign on a trip

The Alpha Café 7 E. Auglaize

No trip to Wapakoneta would be complete without a visit to the Alpha Café, a local landmark for well over a century. You won’t want to miss its wonderfully preserved interior with pressed tin ceiling and ornate wood work. And you won’t want to miss the story of Bill Gutmann, the man who saved the backbar from demolition almost fifty years ago. The Alpha is a step back in time.

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Kreitzer Buggy Works 103 E. Auglaize

This building (whose upper floor was removed) housed the Kreitzer Buggy Factory, another well known local enter-prise. Buggies were manufactured from the top floor down; as the buggy was

nearing completion (and thus becoming heavier and more

cumbersome), it was ap-proaching its point of

departure at the ground level.

Auglaize National Bank 36 E. Auglaize

Downtown Wapakoneta has long been a place for shopping, dining, entertain-ment, and living. Apartments have al-ways been located above the first floor commercial establishments. Recently, the former Auglaize National Bank (1911) has been restored as a private residence. The building was designed by Andrew DeCurtins, whose family were prominent regional architects in the late 19th and early 20th century.

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