Author: retrotoledometro

Porch of the Maidens – 6008 W. Central Ave.

Porch of the Maidens was located on the northwest corner of Central and Warner Avenue. Formerly Michael Angelo’s and Imperial Coffee Shop (“Home of the Imperial King Hamburg”).

“Before the building became the [ancient Greece and Roman themed] Porch, it was [Italian themed] Michael Angelo’s, where Chef Henk Vandersteen was best known for his lasagna and chicken cacciatore. Now, Chef Henk is back in the kitchen, to assist the head chefs, Deiphino Martinez and Dave Pelow, and the Italian dishes have been given fanciful names. The cacciatore is listed on the menu as polio petro cacciatore for $7.95 and the lasagna is lasagna a la milanese, $6.95. For the latter, the sauce will be heated at the table. The gazpacho has given way to cream of potato with sherry and the complimentary chocolate-covered strawberries are being replaced with mini-chocolate cups holding custard.” – Blade food editor Mary Alice Powell, December 7, 1978.

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Ramada Inn, 2340 S. Reynolds Rd.

The 5.5 million dollar 11-story Ramada Inn at 2340 S. Reynolds Road opened its doors on October 2, 1974, two years later than originally planned due to court battles brought on by the Holiday Inn across the street. It was built during a commercial development boom spawned by the opening of the Southwyck Shopping Center. The Ramada Inn offered 220 rooms in the only high rise in the South Toledo-Maumee area. In its best days it was a “vanguard of activity.”

In 1995 it became the Holiday Inn Toledo West. On September 8, 2006 it became the Clarion Inn. Each name change took it further and further away from the prestige it possessed in the ’70s and ’80s as the Ramada Inn, to me anyway. The hotel has stood empty since 2009 when previous owners Toledo Hotel Investment Group LLC defaulted on $2 million in loans. The hotel has since caught fire, been broken into, vandalized, and lived in illegally. An undignified end to a once grand hotel. Demolition of the building began in September 2014. I doubt many were sad to see the Clarion go. Perhaps even the Holiday Inn. But I suspect many were sad to see the Ramada Inn go.

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Dr. Shock

Dr. Shock, host of Dr. Shock’s X-Ray Chiller Theatre on WUPW-TV Channel 36 in Toledo, OH. The show was put on by a local pair, Lance Otto Smith and Doug Agosti. The show ran from July 1989 to September 1992 until it was forced off the air and replaced by infomercials, which nobody watched. After being replaced by infomercials, Agosti and Lance Otto Smith partnered to form After Shock Productions. Dr. Shock’s X-ray Chiller Theater website is a must for fans. https://ghoulardi.tripod.com/shock.html

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Renee’s, 1532 S. Byrne Road.

Late 70s/early 80s nightclub. Later became Henry J’s nightclub.

“Advertised as a place to move together, Renee’s, 1532 S. Byrne Rd., is just that. Originally a disco, the jocks at Renee’s now spin both rock and disco records. Renee’s spacious three-level dance floor, possibly the best In Toledo, is usually filled to the maximum on Thursday, which is college ID night. Renee’s also has two well-stocked bars. Renee’s does have a dress code (no tennis shoes or faded jeans). On college ID night beer is $1.75 a pitcher, but there is not much emphasis on drinking, because dancing is the main attraction. The décor is Impressive with thick, plush carpeting under low, lounge-type furniture surrounding the dance floor. There is also an elevated area isolated by lattice work away from the chaos of the main floor.” – BG News, November 29, 1979

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Touch of Joy, 6048 W. Central Ave.

Touch of Joy, 6048 W. Central Ave., at Marsrow Ave. Opened in 1980. Became Tiffany’s Gentle Touch in 1982 and owned by Joseph Garry. Garry co-owned the well known Jolly Trolly Restaurant in Toledo in the late 1970s. Tiffany’s Gentle Touch later became Tiffany’s Escort & Massage. Closed in February 2009. Demolished.

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Bob’s Market, 6625 W. Sylvania Ave.

Bob’s Market was owned and operated by Robert and Eleanor Hoover (of 4036 McCord Rd). Opened late 50’s/early ’60s. Operated 40+years. Now the Daniel Overmeyer Veterinary Center. I’m told Bob’s Market was a great old-timey kind of place for the local kids to trade their allowance for candy.

Former Bob’s Market.