Toledo Time Travels

Toledo Time Travels is your source for the Toledo story—past, present, and future. We host engaging conversations about local history venues, long heard about but rarely seen spaces, Glass City artifacts, and historical preservation.


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Cal Poly Tragedy in Toledo

1960: a Curtiss C-46 propliner, operated as a domestic charter flight by Arctic Pacific, crashed and caught fire on takeoff at the Toledo Express Airport. The aircraft, a veteran of World War II, was carrying the Cal Poly Mustangs college football ...…

Cal Poly Tragedy in Toledo Photo

Islamic Center Opens

1983: the Islamic Center of Greater Toledo opens its doors. The state’s first Muslim society had existed formally in Toledo, without a mosque, since 1939 and received a state charter in 1943. For more Toledo history, visit ...…

Islamic Center Opens Photo

Michigan vs Notre Dame in Toledo

1902: After a night of rain, the University of Michigan football team played Notre Dame on a soft and slippery white clay field at Armory Park — home of the Mud Hens, located at the corner of Spielbusch Ave. and Orange Street here in Toledo. ...…

Michigan vs Notre Dame in Toledo Photo

Riots in Toledo

2005: A riot breaks out in North Toledo during a National Socialist/Neo-Nazi protest; over 100 are arrested. For more Toledo history, visit www.holytoledohistory.com.…

Riots in Toledo Photo

Art Tatum is Born

1910: Art Tatum , American jazz pianist and composer is born in Toledo. Tatum is widely regarded as one of the greatest in his field. For more Toledo history, visit www.holytoledohistory.com.…

Art Tatum is Born Photo

University of Toledo is Founded

1872: Jesup Wakeman Scott founded The University of Toledo as a private arts and trades school known as Toledo University of Arts and Trades offering painting and architectural drawing as its only subjects. For more Toledo history, visit ...…

University of Toledo is Founded Photo

WGTE is Fully Licensed

1960: WGTE TV Channel 30 in Toledo (PBS) is fully licensed. WGTE began in 1953 as a low-power television station on the University of Toledo campus, with a broadcast antenna in the bell tower of University Hall. It began regular operations in 1959, ...…

WGTE is Fully Licensed Photo

Toledo Opera Opens its First Season

1959: In the social event of the fall, the Toledo Opera opens its first season with a production of Verdi’s Aida on the stage of the Paramount Theater. The event is a sellout with 3,000 tickets sold. For more Toledo history, visit ...…

Toledo Opera Opens its First Season Photo

John Keller is Born

1965: John Keller Jr, team handball backcourt (Olympics 1996) is born in Toledo. For more about Toledo's history, visit www.holytoledohistory.com.…

John Keller is Born Photo

Rosary Cathedral is Dedicated

1940: Two days of ceremonies begin the dedication of the Queen of Holy Rosary Cathedral. Thirty archbishops, bishops, an abbot, and scores of monsignors and priests from the neighboring diocese and the 230 or more priests of the Toledo Diocese ...…

Rosary Cathedral is Dedicated Photo

Donald Pease is Born

1931: Donald J. Pease, Politician (Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Ohio) is born in Toledo. For more about Toledo's history, visit www.holytoledohistory.com.…

Donald Pease is Born Photo

Ruth and Gehrig Slam Homers

1928: Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig both slam home runs in the top of the fourth inning to help lead the Yankees in an 8-6 win over the Mud Hens in an exhibition game held in front of 7,131 fans at Swayne Field. For more about Toledo's history, visit ...…

Ruth and Gehrig Slam Homers Photo

Cynthia Myers is Born

1950: Cynthia Myers, Playboy Playmate (December 1968) and actress (Beyond Valley of Dolls) is born in Toledo. For more about Toledo's history, visit www.holytoledohistory.com.…

Cynthia Myers is Born Photo

Milburn Wagon Works

1873: A groundbreaking ceremony occurred for the Milburn Wagon Works at Auburn and Monroe. For more about Toledo's history, visit www.holytoledohistory.com.…

Milburn Wagon Works Photo

Sunrise Court

1835: The first court hearing in Lucas County was held in a schoolhouse in predawn hours. The schoolhouse was only used as a courthouse for this one day so Ohio could claim territory over Michigan during the Toledo War. The secret court session was ...…

Sunrise Court Photo

G.A.R. Encampment

1908: Toledo grabs the attention of the entire nation as the host of the official Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) 42nd Encampment, held on September 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. The Encampment included a massive parade in downtown Toledo featuring an ...…

G.A.R. Encampment Photo

Houdini Makes First Visit to Toledo

1873: Harry Houdini makes his maiden visit to Toledo at the age of nineteen with his brother Theo (aka “Dash") as the Houdini Brothers at the Curio Hall at the Wonderland Theatre, near Monroe and Summit Streets. For more Toledo history, ...…

Houdini Makes First Visit to Toledo Photo

Battle of Fallen Timbers

1794: In the culmination of the Northwest Indian Wars, General Anthony Wayne led American troops to a decisive victory against a confederation of Native Americans at the Battle of Fallen Timbers, just west of present-day Maumee. For more Toledo ...…

Battle of Fallen Timbers Photo

Wrong Way Corrigan visits Toledo

1938: Douglas "Wrong Way" Corrigan receives a rousing Northwest Ohio welcome when 10,000 people meet him at Toledo Municipal Airport (today called Toledo Executive Airport, renamed from Metcalf Field in 2010). For more Toledo history, visit ...…

Wrong Way Corrigan visits Toledo Photo

Suzee Pai is Born

1962: Suzee Pai, actress (Big Trouble in Little China) is born in Toledo. After appearing on Star Search in 1984, Pai began her career as a fashion model in New York City before joining the Liberty Bells cheerleading squad for the Philadelphia ...…

Suzee Pai is Born Photo

Otto Kruger is Born

1885: Otto Kruger, actor (Suspense radio show, host of Lux Video Theater, High Noon, and Perry Mason) is born in Toledo. Originally a Broadway matinee idol, Kruger established a niche as a charming villain in films, such as Hitchcock's Saboteur. He ...…

Otto Kruger is Born Photo

Owens Invents the Glass Bottle Machine

1904: Micheal Owens patents a machine that automatically manufactures glass bottles. His invention revolutionizes the glass industry and creates tremendous growth in the soft drink and beer industries, as these firms now have a less expensive way of ...…

Owens Invents the Glass Bottle Machine Photo

Frederick Douglass Visits Toledo

1864: Frederick Douglass and Sojourner Truth speak to a packed house at College Hall on Summit Street in Toledo. For more Toledo history, visit www.holytoledohistory.com.…

Frederick Douglass Visits Toledo Photo

Explore Northwest Ohio’s Past at the Museum and Welcome Center of Fulton County

Tucked away at 8848 State Rt. 108, across from the Fulton County Fairgrounds, the Museum and Welcome Center of Fulton County offers visitors a captivating journey through the region’s rich history. With state-of-the-art exhibits, interactive displays, and a deep dive into the people and events that shaped Fulton County, this museum is a must-visit destination for history lovers and curious travelers alike.

Explore Northwest Ohio’s Past at the Museum and Welcome Center of Fulton County Photo

Discover the Stories of Defiance at the Andrew L. Tuttle Museum

Tucked away in downtown Defiance, the Andrew L. Tuttle Museum may not be the largest historical site in the state, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in local charm and historical depth. Whether you’re a history buff, a curious traveler, or a longtime resident looking to learn more about your city’s past, this museum is a must-visit destination.

Discover the Stories of Defiance at the Andrew L. Tuttle Museum Photo

Ever Wonder About the Frankenmuth Story?

So, you’re planning a family trip to Frankenmuth. I know what you are thinking. Frankenmuth is about carriage tours, Bavarian-style architecture, chicken dinners, and Christmas decorations. Think again if you are a fan of local history. The ...…

Ever Wonder About the Frankenmuth Story? Photo

Collector Enjoys the Spitzer Story

In light of the recent news that Lucas County received a $1 million award from the State of Ohio for asbestos abatement and lead-based paint removal from the Spitzer Building, we thought it would be timely to take a look back on the rich history of ...…

Collector Enjoys the Spitzer Story Photo