Indie Local History
Famous for its takeout shrimp, The Spot was owned by Gilbert and Mayme Turner. Their son Nelson managed the restaurant and bar. The Spot was one of many structures that fell victim to the City of Toledo’s massive urban renewal project on Dorr Street in the mid-1970s. According to an August 30, 2006 article in the Blade, “362 homes and storefronts, two theaters, a bowling alley, and a number of offices were demolished within 2 1/2 years.”
Built in 1955 on twenty acres which were the gift of Robert Allen Stranahan. Architects McLaughlin and Keil. Opened in Fall of 1956.
The building has four wings constructed perpendicular to the main building, which contains the gymnasium, lunchroom, kitchen, library, and offices. Outside there is a playground, amphitheater, and multiple baseball diamonds. The school borders Wildwood Metropark.
Continue reading “Stranahan Elementary School”Built in 1967 by Robert Napierala. Sold in 1996. Now part of the Jim Yark spread.
Robert Napierala was born February 15, 1925 in Toledo, OH. He retired from Jeep as a Manufacturing Engineer in 1987. Robert passed away on December 14, 2018.
Continue reading “Bob’s Car Wash, 3129 Warner Ave.”
Friendly’s opened in early 1986. Burger Chef (1969), Arthur Treacher’s Fish & Chips (1976) and Godfather’s Pizza (1981) previously did business at this location. Yark Nissan used the building during the 2000’s. Structure was demolished mid-2000’s.
Continue reading “Friendly’s, 5957 W. Central.”According to Toledo Blade obituaries, Hi-Q was once owned and operated by Duane Phillip “Dewey” Post, possibly in the 1970’s. Ohio Secretary of State filings note Hi-Q Articles of Incorporation being filed by Lawrence Kahan on August 24, 1984. The business was dissolved by Marjorie Kahan in 1993. Location later became Davey K’s Joint. Façade has since been remodeled and location was recently vacant/for lease.
Continue reading “Hi-Q Billiards, 5083 Monroe St.”Freddy Skaff opened the Charcoal House in 1962.
Continue reading “Charcoal House, 4031 Talmadge Rd.”Central Collision was located on the west side of Marsrow Avenue just north of Central Avenue. Apparently multiple businesses on this corner used this address.
Continue reading “Central Collision, 6048 W. Central.”Tom’s Auto Service was located on the northeast corner of Bancroft at Holland-Sylvania. Demolished prior to 2004.
Continue reading “Tom’s Auto Service, 5850 Bancroft.”AAA Standard Cleaning Contractors, Leffler Antiques Dealers and Restorers, PDQ (previously in small stand-alone store next door – visible in black and white image below), and Titon Auto Insurance did business at this location.
Continue reading “6050 W. Central.”Large single story concrete block garage located on the northwest corner of Central and Fairbanks. Opened 1929/30. Operated by William and Albena Sysok (b1903-d1985) from Scranton, PN, who also lived next door to the business. Closed 1951. Later became Central Farm Stores (1954-1958). Kern Equipment Company in the early ’60s. For sale in 1967-68. Likely purchased by George Ballas around 1970. Became George Ballas GMC Motor Home Division (1975-1980). Demolished in the 1980s.
Continue reading “Economy Garage, 6106 W. Central.”
