Findlay, Ohio

Spayth’s Grand Opening Starts Today; Business Is Real Family Enterprise

Findlay Republican Courier | May 09, 1963 | Pg. 2 | Findlay, Ohio, US | https://newspaperarchive.com/findlay-republican-courier-may-09-1963-p-2/ r

A three-day grand opening of Spayth’s in its new location at 509 Main St. will start today and continue through Saturday.

“Spayth’s, which was established here 15 years ago by Mr. and Mrs. Jess Spayth, is believed by many to be unique in the retail field in this area. 

Starting as a husband-and-wife partnership, it has expanded into a family enterprise with three of their four daughters and their husbands actively engaged in the business.

Even more unusual is the fact that the three sons-in-law have done all the major remodeling work at the new location, which formerly was the site of Moore’s Store, and have converted it into one of the most attractive stores in northwestern Ohio.

The three sons-in-law, George Rehm, C. Leslie (Skip) Tate and Glenn Hill, together with Mr. Spayth, not only did the remodeling, redecorating, wiring and plumbing on this extensive program, but they also made the attractive show cases and island displays. 

Some are encased in glass with sliding glass doors. Others are of cherry with formica tops. The three young men also installed the acoustical ceiling and the recessed lighting.

At the rear of the store is a balcony, its walls paneled in cherry and with decorative wrought iron railing in white with accents in gold and shrimp shades. 

The balcony not only adds effectively to the store’s appearance but is used as the office area.

A simulated balcony on the wall above the front entrance gives balance and added beauty.

The walls of the store are in a soft green with cherry wood adding warmth in panel and valance effects,

Gift and China Dept.

The gift and china department displayed along the north area of the room adds a colorful note with its glassware, figurines, wood and metal plaques and lamps.

The china department has been expanded and includes among its new items a line of French Havilland china.

The glass wall cases, with their sliding doors. provide eye-catching displays for many of the items. These also were made by Mr. Rehm. Mr. Hill and Mr. Tate.

Beyond this, at the rear of the store. the young men have constructed a model kitchen with cupboards and built-in appliances. 

Refreshments will be served in this area during the three-day grand opening.

Opposite the kitchen area is the record department in which the sons-in-law of Mr and Mrs Spayth have installed attractive four-tiered record cases in cherry wood which were built by them, and which conveniently display a large stock of record albums.

The south area to the front of the store is devoted to the store’s paint and wallpaper department.

A paint blending machine has been installed which can produce 850 colors. A full line of Pratt and Lambert paints is carried in this department.

The ingenuity and skill of the three sons-in-law are displayed in this department, also, particularly: in the construction of a wallpaper display desk for the convenience of customers. 

The desk has bins to! hold the thick wallpaper books.

Appliance Displays

Down the center and along a portion of the south wall is displayed a variety of appliances handled by Spayth’s. These include Hotpoint kitchen appliances and Zenith and Curtis-Mathes stereos, television sets and stereo-television combinations in many beautiful woods and styles.

A handsome new front has been constructed on the store. An aluminum marquee, 10 feet in width extends out over the green tiled entrance to the store.

The double glass door is framed in aluminum and the large display windows are carpeted in a soft green which harmonizes with the walls of the store.

A delivery entrance at the rear faces on an alley and opens into the stock room.

Mr. and Mrs. Spayth supervise the complete operation of the store. Mr. Rehm, who has had extensive technical training, and holds a master mechanic rating, is in charge of the service department with Bernard Smith responsible for the servicing of the television sets.

Mr. Rehm’s wife, Marilyn, is manager of the record department and is assisted by Virginia Cowles.

Mr. Hill is in charge of installations. which includes the building and installing of complete kitchens from cabinets to the wiring and plumbing. His wife, Mary Alice, is office manager.

Mr. Tate is in the sales department. His wife. Marjorie is in charge of the gift department. She is assisted by Helen Wagner and Peggy Beverly.

Hours for the three-day opening will be from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. each day.

A corsage of violets and a carnation will be given each feminine visitor and balloons will be given the kiddies during the three-day grand opening.

Door prizes having a total value of more than $500 will range from radios to record albums.

1874-1975 | The Mecca Bar | 224 S Main Street | Findlay, Ohio

Mrs. Donnell, Mrs. Heminger Receive Chamber of Commerce Honors

Community Groups Pay Tribute to Them as Year’s Outstanding Sisters

The Elk’s ballroom was not large enough yesterday to hold everyone who wanted to pay homage to two sisters who are devoting their lives to make Findlay a better place in which to live.

But 254 friends, neighbors, and co-workers helped the Women’s division of the Findlay Chamber of Commerce honor Mrs. Otto Dewey Donnell and Mrs. Russell Lowell Heminger in an event which is becoming a tradition of this organization.

“Outstanding Woman of the Year” was this year changed to “Outstanding Sisters of the Year” as Mrs. Donnell and Mrs. Heminger received tribute for their unselfish service and untiring efforts in community betterment.

Club women of Findlay recently voted these two women as outstanding “Sisters of the Year” and the many who paid them homage yesterday showed that they were in accord with the wishes of the Club women of the community.

Dr. Aletha M. Herwig, a member of the Women’s division, was toastmistress for the day and wove through her remarks the expression of appreciation which the entire community feels for these two women.

Robert Dufford, this year’s “Outstanding Young Man of the Year” played the piano throughout the luncheon and Allen Dudley, an “Outstanding Man of the Year” two years ago, accompanied a trio of high school girls who delighted the audience with their harmony in three numbers which they sang through the dinner hour. They were Janet Ward, Hattie Gardner, and Jane Snyder, who call themselves the “Three Blue Notes.”

M S HAUSER, president of the Findlay Chamber of Commerce, spoke on behalf of the Chamber in extending sincere congratulations and appreciation to Findlay’s Outstanding Women of the Year.

“In honoring them and their long and generous service to the community you are also honoring the high type of citizenship for which the Women’s division stands.”

MS HAUSER, President, Findlay Chamber of Commerce

He praised the tremendous turnout in honor of Mrs. Donnell and Mrs. Heminger which, he said, “speaks far more eloquently than anything I could say for the high regard we hold for them and their achievements. Findlay is indeed most fortunate to count them as our neighbors and friends.”

Findlay’s Camp Fire

A highlight of the occasion was the presence of Mrs. Elizabeth Spear, national director of camping and former executive of the Findlay Camp Fire organization.

Mrs. Spear brought greetings and congratulation from the national board to Mrs Heminger, a member of the national board and its secretary, as well as Mrs. Donnell who have been actively interested in Camp Fire over the years. Mrs. Spear reminisced the years in which she was in Findlay and said that the event yesterday would be one of the highlights of the many pleasant memories of her associations in Findlay.

MAYOR CHESTER SMITH eloquently expressed his own sincere congratulations on behalf of the city thanked Mrs Donnell and Mrs. Heminger for the enrichment and influence of their contributions to Findlay and its citizens.

Howard H. West in his remarks said “The radiance and inspiration of this delightful occasion is like the beam of the great searchlight piercing the darkness of the blackest night. All bout us we see great conflicts age because of the few who so wantonly disregard the principles of integrity, loyalty, patience, justice, and brotherly love. Always, however, we have returned again to those higher precepts of human conduct which have stood the test of time to bring us around.

“With spontaneous enthusiasm we give expression to the high esteem and affection we hold for Mrs. Otto Dewey Donnell and Mrs. Lowell Heminger who have been so signally honored by the Women’s division of the Findlay Chamber of Commerce.”

Speaking particularly of Donnell, Mr. West said, “She is genuinely modest as to her own attainments and generously appreciative of the achievements of others.

She would not wish me to recount here specific cases, but it is proper to say that her accomplishments as a good friend and neighbor and her undiminished initiative and patient understanding and generosity have been a great Inspiration to all who have been so fortunate to come under influence of her dynamic personality.”

He extolled her qualities as mother of three sons und added that her reverent and faithful service her church, her unstinting and unselfish service to her community, and her manifested concern to Improve the opportunities of youth “all attest your wise choice of Mrs. Donnell as ‘the woman of the year.'”

FOLLOWING Mr. West was Mrs. George W Trout, who has worked with both Mrs. Donnell and Mrs. Heminger In their various civic interests through the years. Mrs. Trout humorously and effectively gave several different incidents in her experience of working with them. She recounted the different accomplishments of both Mrs. Donnell and Mrs. Heminger and added that a recognition luncheon does not necessarily mean that their value has just been discovered, but rather that it is time to express appreciation of it.

Judson Palmer Home

The Reverend Donald W Cryer combined humor with philosophy in his remarks. Mr. Cryer is pastor of First Methodist church with which Mrs. Heminger is prominently identified. “These two women,’ he said, “are living examples of the law of finding happiness by giving it..of finding happiness by serving more than being served.”

He particularly pointed out the many contributions Mrs. Heminger has made to the community and read a letter from Harley A. Watkins, Toledo attorney and president, Board of Trustees of the Judson Palmer Home, which Mrs. Heminger is Vice-President.

He asked that hearty congratulations and best wishes be extended to both Mrs. Heminger and Mrs Donnell on “this happy occasion and highly complimented Mrs. Heminger for her work in the organization, building, and operation of the Judson Palmer Home over the past 10 years.

Mr. Cryer said that “No community of our size anywhere in the United States has a better Camp Fire program than does Findlay. No small reason for this, in my opinion,” said Mr. Cryer, “is that for years Mrs. Heminger has been behind the program and in addition related to it in the national level.” Poetically, he pointed out that flowers should be given to the living and complimented the women’s division on making this occasion possible.

DR. HERWIG, a very able toastmistress, interspersed the talks with humor and appropriate remarks. Mrs. Wilmer Bayer, retiring president, introduced the Reverend Russell Gregg Bisnett, of First Presbyterian who gave the invocation. Mrs O D Donnell is an active member of the church.

Mrs. Bayer presented the gifts to Mrs. Donnell and Mrs. Heminger, as remembrances of the occasion.

Committees

Committees in charge of the event yesterday included: Bess Shreve, general chairman; Mrs. W G Coldren, favors; Bonita Moyer and Mrs. John Longsberry, tickets; decorations, Mrs. H H Chadbourne and Mrs. Raymond Bladow; program, Mrs. KG Thomas and Mrs. Glenn Dennis.

Mrs. Donnell and Mrs. Heminger both responded graciously to the acclamation of the group. Mrs. Donnell expressed, in an effective way, her appreciation of the occasion and her love for the community which she her sister have served so faithfully.

Her genuine sincerity deeply affected the audience.

Mrs Heminger injected a humorous note in her response closing it with her code of living, which, she said, is the Campfire Code—

Sharing the enjoyment of occasion with Mrs. Donnell and Mrs. Heminger were Mrs.Donnell’s husband, Otto Dewy Donnell, her son, John R. Donnell, Mrs. Donnell and their daughter; Ann.

Mrs. Heminger’s husband R L Heminger, and her sons Harold Heminger and Mrs. Heminger, and Edwin Heminger.

Mrs. Donnell’s elder son, James C Donnell Il, was out of the city and was unable to attend the luncheon.

Article was printed in THE REPUBLICAN COURIER, on Tuesday April 15, 1952. page 4

#🏡of Donnell #🏡of Heminger #🏡of McClelland

The Republican Courier | Fort Findlay Sesquicentennial | July 21, 1962 | Section 1 [GRAND TOTAL: 202 pages] #fortfindlay #sesquicentennial #hancockcounty #findlayohio #ohiohistory #localhistory #hancockhistoricalmuseum #templeofticklebritches #templeofticklebritchesdotart #regionalism Documents detailing the scene at the time, and the 8-day Sesquicentennial Celebration

Marvin Block | Marvin Hotel 1889 (razed) 307-311 South Main St The Marvin Hotel and Marvin Block are both in the Richardsonian Romanesque Style with a rusticated masonry façade.

A newspaper article in the Findlay Daily Courier April 27, 1889 states:

November 15, 1832 | The first deed transfer for Lots 86 and 87 was from Joseph Vance to Laquineo Rawson

April 15, 1833 | Mr. Rawson sold the lot to Joseph C. Shannon Mr. Shannon built a small residence for his family.

September 23, 1843 | He sold the building to Robert Strother

March 18, 1847 | The original two story block was built by Peter Roszman who purchased Lot 87 in the Findlay Addition from Robert L. Strother for $550.

October 15, 1877 | The block eventually went to a sheriffs sale

1879 to 1887 | the Marvin brothers-Ancil, William and Stephen purchased portions of the block from various investors.

Spring 1888 | the main part of this prime location was purchased from the heirs of William Carlin The Marvin block was built on part of Lot 86 and Lot 87. Lot 86 had been owned by the Carlin family since 1845.

June 26, 1978 | The Marvin block was also razed with the Phoenix Hotel

Hancock Historical Museum Findlay, Ohio Emily FindlayChamber #Business #reels #Findlay #reel #oldschool #commerce #fhs #trojantrue #trojanproud #hancockhistoricalmuseum #canva #templeofticklebritches #Findlayhigh #trojan #ad #visitfindlay #regionalism #marvin #local #history #localhistory #localhistorymatters #localhistorymuseum #Hancock #hancockhistoricalmuseum #marvinhotel

Sherman House (1888)

The Tavern Hotel (1904-1914)

Altmeyer Hotel (1914-1950) w/ Coffee Shop, Ray Foor as Manager

Fort Findlay Motor Inn (1952-1985),

Sherman House (1997) with Rossilli’s Greentree Tavern (until relocation)* (1994-2002) at 201 S Main relocated to 217 S Main as Rossilli’s Gary Rossilli.

*i worked for Rossilli’s at the time of relocation, in total i worked there from 2000-2005.

Additionally, i worked at Finder’s (moonlighting—or actually, in my case, “day”lighting) from 2003-2007.

1864-1969 | AMERICAN MASK MANUFACTURING COMPANY | 515 W MAIN CROSS 📍FINDLAY OHIO

Trick or Treat … Open the door Wednesday night and you will see animals with funny faces, creatures with beards, boys with long orange noses and witches with flowing black wigs. 

HALLOWEEN MASKS WERE ONCE MADE IN FINDLAY

From 1884 to 1969 the American Mask Manufacturing Company. Inc. created many of the masks which were worn in Halloween parades across the country.

The American Mask company was located in Findlay on W. Main Cross St. As you would enter the front door you would see large display cases of masks for sale. 

There were full head masks, half masks, heads of hair beards…

The company published a 75-page catalog which they sent to buyers all over the world. [*refer to the Heyzine flip-book!]

Many of the masks completed the costumes of people who attended the Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana.  Findlay Masks were also shipped for festivals in South America and Mexico. 

Every year the company would have a display at the American Toy Manufacturing Association meeting in New York City.

Propped against one table would be a life-size Mummy or Skeleton.

Included in their line was a special kit called Make-a-Mask complete with two unpainted, masks and brushes and paint, which made it possible for people to design their own masks.

The first masks at the factory were made by by taking layers of moistened gauze, and molding it around plaster of Paris molds.

These masks were dried by steam heat and in later years by infrared heat. 

Each blank face was painted with vegetable, pigment paint, and then sprayed with wax so that the color would not run. 

In modernizing the factory, large machines spray painted the background colors of the masks the facial features were always painted by hand.

Would you like to see some of the original Molds and masks made by the American Mask Manufacturing company?

Visit the Hancock Historical Museum  Sandusky St., Friday Saturday or Sunday 1:00 to 4:00 PM

As printed in the Findlay Republican Courier, October 25, 1974, page 24

American Mask Manufacturing Company. (1915). Illustrated catalogue of papier mache, linen, wax, wire, gauze, show and curtain masks, noses, wigs, beards, etc. [Findlay, Ohio: The Company.]

Situated at 411 Lima Ave | Findlay OHiO