Welcome to Ottawa - Ottawa Area Chamber of

On behalf of the Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce
Welcome to Ottawa
Tucked into the heart of Putnam County, along the Blanchard River, Ottawa
welcomes you to its quiet and friendly
community. As the Putnam County
seat, the Courthouse graces our Main
Street with its ornate beauty and
historical monuments.
In the
downtown area, attractive brick
buildings, constructed by ancestors
long ago, still bustle with the activity
of family owned retail businesses and
professional offices.
The present town of Ottawa was
founded on the last village site of the
Ottawa Indians. It is rich in history and the tradition of its early settlers. That proud
tradition is apparent in the well kept homes of the entire community. Graceful trees
hover over the well maintained streets criss-crossing through Ottawa. These streets will
lead you to beautiful parks, new and historic homes, highly academic schools, shopping
areas, entertainment and dining. Local restaurants will beckon you with a fine array of
menus to choose from. Our parks provide a public pool, shelter houses and a gazebo with
summer entertainment, sports, Christmas
lighting display and children’s playgrounds.
Shoppers will find Ottawa to be a provider
of goods ranging from the latest in fashion
and unusual art, to dry goods and exquisite
jewelry.
You will find the people of Ottawa to be
friendly and caring. Many events and
activities are offered throughout the year.
Every season in Ottawa can be charming
and inviting. Summer welcomes you to it’s
parks and festivals, the seasonal colors of Fall ignite the competitive nature as school
sports begin, winter weather nips as you visit Christmas displays and enjoy the snow, and
Spring warms you once again as crops are planted and many flowering trees in the area
bloom once again.
Ottawa is a wonderful place to live and work. You will find that it is growing
rapidly with new housing, quality education at all levels, and new business, yet still
retains the warmth and friendliness of a small town.
Table of Contents
1. Welcome to Ottawa
2. Contents / About the Chamber
3. Locator Map
4. History
5. Business & Industry
6. Home & Living
7. Shopping & Dining
8. Recreation
9. Health Care
10. Education
11. Government
12. Places of Worship
The Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce is an organization of approximately 265
members whose mission is to promote a strong economy and high quality of life for our
members and the Ottawa area.
The Chamber is organized to work for the promotion of its membership and to act as
a liaison for the community and its residents. It is governed by a 15 member Board of
Directors with an elected Chairman of the Board, representing various sectors of the
business community.
The Chamber and its Board are committed to making Ottawa a better place to live
and work.
For more information, contact the Chamber of Commerce office at (419) 523-3141 or
email at ottawachamber@earthlink.net .
Locator Map
It's all about our location in prime Northwest Ohio with trouble-free access to major
highways. The Village of Ottawa (population: 4,367) is located in Putnam County
(population: 34,726) in northwestern Ohio and is the county seat. It is located
approximately 53 miles southwest of the City of Toledo, 25 miles west of the City of
Findlay and 30 miles north of the City of Lima.
Ottawa has an excellent transportation system. Located on the intersection of SR 65 and
US 224, Ottawa is 15 miles north of US 30. Access to US 30 can be gained by traveling
south on SR 65. I-75 can be reached by a 20 mile trip south by use of SR 65 or 20 east
on US 224. I-80 is approximately 65 miles north of Ottawa, and can be accessed by SR
613. State Route 15 and US 224 provide industries and residents with easy access to
areas east and west of the village, while areas located to the south and north can be
accessed by SR 65. Two railways, CSX and Norfolk Southern, pass through the village.
The Putnam County Airport is located 3 miles east of Ottawa. It is a manned airport with
one hard surfaced runway, 4432 feet long.
History
Ottawa is located on the site of the last village of the Ottawa Indians in an area of northwest Ohio known as the
Great Black Swamp. In 1777 a treaty at “The Foot of the Rapids of the Maumee of the Lakes” established a
reserve for the Ottawa Indians in exchange for their land in northwest Ohio. The tribe was divided concerning
the issue, and blood was shed before the treaty was accepted.
The five-mile square reserve encompassed the area where the Blanchard River intersects an Indian Trace near
old State Route 65. It included the Ottawa villages known as Upper Tauwas and Lower Tauwas.
The Ottawa Indians ceded their reserve to the United States in 1831. In 1833 the land was offered for sale to
settlers and the Village of Ottawa, established in 1834, was platted on the site of Lower Tauwas. Michael Row
purchased the first lot where he built a tavern of hewed logs. The tavern served as a meeting place for town
officials and played an important part in the early life of the village. In 2004 it continues to stand at the corner
of West Main and Perry Streets.
The post office, established in 1837, was called Buckeye as there was already an Ottawa in the state. In 1862 it
officially became Ottawa. In 1866, by a vote of the people, the county
seat was moved to Ottawa. The present day Courthouse was built 19091913. The coming of the railroads made the town a transportation center.
A newspaper, established in 1855, also moved to Ottawa and became
known as the Putnam County Sentinel. They continue to publish weekly.
By 1839 most of the Ottawa Indians were removed to a reservation in
territory that later became the state of Kansas. In 2003 a historical marker
was dedicated in the village as a tribute to the Ottawa tribe that once lived
here.
Pioneer writing reveals that “Johnny Appleseed” (John Chapman) was a frequent traveler through the area,
floating down the Blanchard River in a canoe loaded with apple trees, distributing them among the early settlers
along the Blanchard.
The industrious pioneers built schools and churches, and over long years, drained the Black Swamp. That
independence and industry of the early settlers have not been lost. It is
evident in the
vitality shown in the citizens of Ottawa today.
Gazing over passerby, a monument to firemen stands proudly on the
the Putnam County Courthouse brandishing an illuminated lantern and
his arm. Dedicated in 1915, the bronzed fireman figure is believed to be
monument in Ohio. The enduring monument memorializes two Ottawa
the line of duty in 1911.
southwest corner of
holding a child on
the first such
firemen who died in
Ottawa is proud of its heritage, and this pride is evident in its appearance and the people of the community.
Ottawa is a community where you want to raise your family, run your business, make your mark in life, and
establish your history.
Business & Industry
The Village of Ottawa is well suited to accommodate all types of businesses, from large manufacturers with
special utility needs to agricultural enterprises in search of very fertile soils and excellent farmers. The village
of Ottawa provides a multitude of community services to its residents. Many of the residents work in
manufacturing or agriculture related careers in and around the surrounding communities.
There is a wide range of retail and industrial business in Ottawa which makes it a wonderful place to live, work
and to shop. Ottawa and the surrounding communities have drawn domestic and international business &
industries to the area seeking a good workforce with a strong
work ethic. Ottawa is a growing community with an ever
expanding industrial base, including WC Wood Company,
Palpac Industries, Steel Technologies, D-4 Industries, R.K.
Industries, Silgan Plastics. Outside of the village is Pro-Tec
Coating Co., Iams, Unverferth Manufacturing, Kalida
Manufacturing Inc., to name a few.
The work ethic of the labor force in the Ottawa area is
considered to be excellent by area employers. The vast
majority carry pride in their work considering that they live in
the area, work here, and the social peer pressure to do quality
work is present. Turnover, depending on the local economy,
ranges from 0% presently, and higher, considering the
availability and local competition for jobs. The national
absenteeism rate is 5%, whereas locally, the absenteeism rate
for hourly workers is 4% and for salaried workers is 1 !%.
The variety of small business opportunities in
Ottawa makes it an ever growing and
interesting community. Retail shops of every
kind range from hardware to clothing to home
improvement. Professional businesses of all
types are well represented. Many are solid
family-run businesses that have been in the
community for generations. Ottawa’s attractive and strong downtown businesses
thrive while new businesses have sprung up on the outskirts off town. Innovation and evolution go hand in
hand in this community which has seen many changes over the years, adapted and prospered.
Home & Living
Ottawa’s small town atmosphere makes it the perfect place to work and raise a family.
Many historic homes grace the town of Ottawa, and new homes and subdivisions are
sprouting up throughout the area. Some of the
older homes date back to the Civil War era. It is
frequently noted by visitors to the area how
well-kept the homes and properties are in
Ottawa. The streets are well maintained and
businesses pride themselves on their
appearance. The four seasons provide a wide
range
of
color and the beautifully wooded parks and tree
lined streets are an attraction in themselves.
The area is known for its lush, flat fields of
farmland that spread out from the Blanchard
River which snakes lazily through Putnam
County.
The construction industry has developed
strongly along with business and residential
growth. A growing population spurs the
growth of new homes to the surrounding
area. The developments consist of single
family homes, condominiums and multifamily units as well. These subdivisions
are close to town but enjoy the openness of
the country as well. Upward economic growth spurs new industry and the expansion of
existing industry.
Ottawa is atypical among other communities in Northwest Ohio and the region, due to
our very diverse base of businesses and organizations. Our activities are varied and
specialized enough to keep even the most active just that – ACTIVE.
All the conveniences of modern day living are right here in Ottawa, yet you will enjoy
the comfort of easy traffic, close to curb businesses, and a smile from those you do
business with. There truly is no better place to live and work!
Recreation
There are 3 public parks in Ottawa, providing an abundance of recreational
facilities to all family members. Picnic shelters, playground equipment, a
basketball court, a lighted baseball field and municipal swimming pool are all
available at the Ottawa Municipal Park. The Senior Citizens Center, Boy Scout
and Girl Scout facilities, and the Gazebo are located at the Waterworks Park on
4th Street and Pratt. The Lords Park on West Main provides a refreshing seat
and solitude at its central fountain.
The tennis courts on North
Thomas
Street
provide
ample courts to challenge a
friend to a match. A walking
bridge spans Tawa Run and
leads to the municipal park.
Peaceful walking paths wind
through the wooded park for
those seeking a bit of
nature’s solitude.
Ottawa is committed to providing quality recreational opportunities for all to
enjoy and continues to enhance its parks.
Two 18-hole public
golf courses are
located within minutes
of Ottawa. Pike
Run Golf Club located
north of Ottawa
off of t. Rt. 109 on
Rd. H, is a
picturesque 18-hole
course
that
welcomes beginners
and handicappers
alike. You can check
its website at
www.pikerungolf.com
. Country Acres
Golf Club is another beautiful 18-hole course located west of Ottawa on St. Rt.
694. Both of these courses offer league play. In addition to these courses, there are about 15 other golf courses
within approximately a one-half hour drive.
Fishing is good to excellent in the Ottawa Reservoir and streams around Ottawa.
For those who enjoy indoor exercise and entertainment the Ottawa Highland Lanes provides a 12 lane privately
owned bowling establishment. A gymnastics center and two dance academies provide training to our area
youth. There are several businesses that offer a full range of weight equipment, personal training, aerobics,
exercise programs, and weight loss programs: Northwest Physical Therapy, P.T. Services, Curves for Women
and Thin & Healthy. The Putnam County YMCA provides year-round program recreation for all ages at its
facility just north of Ottawa off of St. Rt. 109. This facility includes an indoor Olympic size swimming pool, a
gym, group workout rooms, exercise equipment, and child care facilities.
The Putnam County District Library is temporarily located at 124 Putnam Parkway within the Educational
Service Center, Ottawa. A new facility is planned to be built on Putnam Parkway in the near future. It serves
the entire county with the main library and seven branches throughout the county. Library services are offered
on a regular basis to the local nursing homes. Its collection is well over 150,000 cataloged items, including
children’s, young adults and adult books. The library also has an extensive collection of books, periodicals,
DVD’s and CD’s including books on CD’s and cassettes. A large local history room is available for
genealogical work. It provides the community with youth programs and many other support programs.
Ottawa has many clubs and organizations to keep its residents actively involved. It is home to local chapters of
service clubs such as: Lions, O-G Rotary, Kiwanis, International Order of Odd Fellows, Jaycees, Optimists,
Eagles, Knights of Columbus, VFW and the
American Legion.
Many organizations such as these offer
activities for adults
and youth alike:
O-G Community Band, Girl Scouts, Cub
Scouts, Boy Scouts
of America, 4-H Clubs, Ottawa Senior
Citizens
Center,
SAY soccer league, O-G Athletic and O-G
Band Booster clubs,
Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Friends of the P.C.
Library,
P.C.
YMCA, mothers clubs, garden clubs, to name
a few.
Ottawa
offers something for everyone.
The
downtown area and
the
parks are host to the
annual Chamber sponsored “Welcome Santa Parade”, festivals, concerts
and other special events. The Ottawa Memorial Park glitters with
thousands of lights in its Christmas displays every December provided
by the communities businesses and organizations. Many have made it a
yearly tradition to come and enjoy this festive sight.
of people to Ottawa every summer.
shows, 4-H exhibits, harness racing,
rides, concessions, and plenty of
enjoyable family experience. Other
State Rib-off, Halloween Havoc, car
organizational and company picnics.
The Putnam County Fair on the
east side of town attracts thousands
This fair is complete with animal
demolition derby, carnival games,
entertainment.
It’s purely an
fairgrounds uses include the Trishows
and
various
other
Shopping & Dining
Ottawa has a variety of shopping and dining options available to residents and visitors
alike. Enjoy shopping in the well kept Main Street downtown businesses. Family owned
retailers, some in their third generation, offer everything from
hardware to clothing, jewelry to furniture, and collectables to
groceries. Offering every convenience and any item you may
wish for, they will provide you a courteous and gracious service.
Friendly faces and prompt services are plentiful in this town,
where everyone is a neighbor.
Ottawa’s Wal-Mart is located on North Perry Street for the
convenience of one-stop shopping.
Delicious home style dining
can be found downtown on
Main Street at the Schnipke Inn. The Red Pig Inn
offers its award winning ribs along with a wide variety
of specialties on its menu.
If pie is on your mind, check out Henry’s Restaurant for their wonderful portions to top
off any of their tasty meals.
For those set at a quicker pace, 7 fast food
businesses are there to please your palate with a
variety of choices. Everything from a leisurely
breakfast, lunch or dinner, to a quick bite on the run
can be enjoyed in Ottawa.
Visitors
can
find
lodging and hospitality
in the comfortable and tranquil Rose Haven Bed & Breakfast
located just east of Ottawa on Old U.S. 224. Spend the
night, a weekend, or longer. You’ll find yourself being
pampered in this 1860’s brick farmhouse, recently
remodeled and redecorated.
The House of Rose ‘n Garden is another local bed &
breakfast featuring 6 available rooms and a small indoor
pool. It is located just east of Ottawa on St. Rt. 224.
Rose Haven Bed & Breakfast
Healthcare
For residents of Ottawa and the surrounding communities, emergency medical care,
convenient outpatient services are easily accessible at the Putnam County Ambulatory
Care Center located just west of Ottawa on St. Rt. 224. A 24 hour comprehensive
emergency team is there to Access your
medical needs and begin treatment
immediately. St. Rita’s Life Flight, air
ambulance service is just minutes away
from transporting you to St. Rita’s
Medical Center.
Patients can also
schedule their outpatient services such as
laboratory tests, X-rays, CT scans, MRI
and even their annual mammogram at
the Ambulatory Care Center. Services
such as dialysis, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation are also available. Many different
specialists see patients on a weekly basis at this facility. All this and any required testing
can be completed all in one location that’s close and convenient from home.
The Ottawa Medical and Diagnostic Center located at 1740 North Perry, next to WalMart, offers area residents top-notch choices in family physicians, along with
comprehensive women’s healthcare needs. The facility includes not only medical office
space,
but
mammography,
diagnostic radiology, EKGs, and
phlebotomy services-all housed
within the same facility. Ottawa
area
women
now
may
conveniently arrange, with any
of the practitioners in the
building, for their annual
mammogram and gynecological
examinations on the same day at
the center.
Three Optometrists are located in the Ottawa area to provide quality eye care to its
residents. The offices of Dr. Thomas Bauer and Dr. Diane Dible are located at 1518
North Perry St. Dr. Brice Musser is located in the St. Rita’s Putnam County Medical
Park at 102 Dr. Thatye Drive. Chiropractic care can be found at four different locations
in Ottawa. Dental and Orthodontic services are also offered at the Main Street office of
Cynthia Kamin, DDS in addition to several other dental care professionals. The Ottawa
Hearing Aid Center, located at 125 West Main, provides excellent service to the hearing
impaired. Pathways Counseling Center provides mental health and drug & alcohol
rehabilitation at their Locust Street location. Counceling Matters, LLC is a professional
counseling office located withing the St Rita’s Ambulatory Care Center.
The provision of quality health care for the residents of the area is a goal that continues to
be reached with the growth of Ottawa. Findlay, Bluffton and Lima all provide excellent
hospital care within 20 to 25 miles from Ottawa.
Ottawa Government
An elected Mayor, appointed Clerk-Treasurer, and six-member Village Council govern
the Village of Ottawa. The Village Council is elected to staggered terms of office. The
Utilities Board aids the Council in its work, and members are also elected to staggered
terms. There is a Municipal Director who oversees administrative and other government
tasks pertaining to Ottawa. Individual Village services are administered through the
Utilities Department, the Streets Department, Volunteer Fire Department, ClerkTreasurer’s Office, and Police Department.
There are 29 people employed full time by
the Village of Ottawa.
Council meets the 2nd and 4th Monday of each
month at 8:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at
the Municipal Building, 136 N. Oak Street,
Ottawa, Ohio.
Public Works includes all of the physical
facilities and services provided by the Village government that make life possible in
Ottawa. Since being incorporated in 1834, the Village has come to own, operate and
maintain an ever increasing amount of public facilities from streets and storm sewers to
parks and treatment facilities. It is extremely important that these physical facilities be
protected with proper maintenance and repair as well as planned rehabilitation and
replacement.
The Village owns a wide variety of equipment
designed to provide the required services to the
community. The Public Works Department is
responsible for the maintenance and upkeep
of Village-owned vehicles and heavy
equipment.
The Ottawa Police Department currently has
seven full-time officers, six part-time
officers and two auxiliary officers on staff.
The department believes in the philosophy
of community policing, which is having
officers take a pro-active approach to law
enforcement.
The Village of Ottawa, half of Ottawa Township and four square miles of Pleasant
Township is protected from three Fire Stations operated by the Ottawa Volunteer Fire
Department.
The staff of forty-nine officers and firefighters is trained in fire suppression, technical
rescue, fire prevention, inspection, hazardous materials operations and medical first
response.
The Fire Department has an ISO rating of four and operates eight pieces of updated fire
apparatus.
The Ottawa Fire Department provides fire inspections of all business establishments and
public places in the fire protection area, as well as providing public information and fire
safety education.
Emergency Medical Services for Ottawa is provided by the Putnam County Emergency
Medical Services. Two BLS ambulances are manned in Ottawa by State certified
Emergency Medical Technicians. In addition, St. Rita’s Ambulatory Care Center in
Glandorf operates a 24-hour urgent care facility just minutes from Ottawa.
Places of Worship
There are 8 churches in Ottawa and 50 additional churches located outside the village in
Putnam County encompassing most major denominations.
Baptist
Faith Baptist Church
8115 E. Main St.
Ottawa, OH 45875
419-523-3363
Catholic
Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church
307 N. Locust St.
Ottawa, OH 45875
419-523-5216
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
N. Main St.
P.O. Box 48
Glandorf, OH 45848
419-538-6928
Holy Family Catholic Church - New
Cleveland
7359 St. Rt. 109
Ottawa, OH 45875
419-523-3246
Faith Assembly
New Creation Lutheran Church
8127 East Main St.
Ottawa, OH 45875
419-523-6250
Missionary
Missionary Church of Ottawa
2031 E. Main St.
Ottawa, OH 45875
419-523-5551
Presbyterian
First United Presbyterian Church
150 North Oak St.
Ottawa, OH 45875
419-523-3694
Faith Assembly of Believers
1604 E. Main St.
Ottawa, OH 45875
419-523-5373
Trinity United Methodist Church
137 N. Pratt St.
Ottawa, OH 45875
419-523-6496
St. John the Baptist
Sts. Peter & Paul
First United Presbyterian Church
If you visit Ottawa, be sure to stop by the Chamber of Commerce office, located at 129
Court Street. We’ll be glad to help you with any information you may need about the
area.
Visit our website at www.ottawachamber.org to view our membership directory,
calendar of events, and more.
Come find out what we’re all about. We know you’ll feel
welcome.
Mary Jo Bockrath
Executive Director
Nancy Frankart
Administrative Assistant