Welcome Home - Bucyrus Area Chamber of Commerce

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As life-long residents of Bucyrus and the surrounding
area, we would like to thank you for expressing interest
in our community. The entire staff of Spreng Capital
Management are residents of this community. We are
proud of our many wonderful schools, neighborhoods,
churches and civic organizations that blend together to
form the supporting fabric of our home. We provide
investment management, financial advisement and
accounting services for individual and business clients
in 24 different states. Spreng Capital could choose to
be located anywhere in the United States. We choose
to be here because it is a wonderful place to call home
and to establish your business. We hope that you
agree and choose to join us.
201 South Sandusky Ave., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820
P: 419.563.0084 F: 419.563.0234
www.sprengcapital.com
AVITA HEALTH SYSTEM
Avita Health System is a locally owned and governed health system with over
30 locations across North Central Ohio. With a team of over 80 employed
providers, Avita strives to provide Crawford and Richland County residents high
quality healthcare. Over the years, Avita has made technological advancements
to convenience patients who would have otherwise traveled far distances. Avita
is also very proud to receive continual high customer satisfaction scores, which
have placed them in the top 10% nationally.
H E A LT H S Y S T E M
BUCYRUS HOSPITAL
629 N Sandusky Avenue
Bucyrus, OH 44820
419-562-4677
www.avitahealth.org
[1]
GALION HOSPITAL
269 Portland Way S
Galion, OH 44833
419-468-4841
AVITA ONTARIO
715 Richland Mall
Ontario, OH 44906
567-307-7666
Welcome to Bucyrus
The Bucyrus Area Chamber of Commerce welcomes you to take a look at our
newest Quality of Life publication.
So much has happened since our last edition, and Bucyrus has only
become better!
From exciting niche market businesses and restaurants to brand new schools
and a college, as well as the efforts of our unique Crawford 20/20 Vision
partnership, our city is experiencing fresh energy and expansion, and we’d love
for you to be part of it.
We are still The Small City in the Middle of Everywhere, with a healthy business
and industrial climate, cultural offerings including community theatre, live
concerts and an active Arts Council. We have farmers’ markets, an annual car
show that draws more than 800 vehicles, and of course, our Bucyrus Bratwurst
Festival – fast approaching 50 years of fun and food.
But most of all, we are a city with a deep sense of caring and a real heart.
Wherever there is need, the community comes together, businesses and
individuals working for a common goal, whether it’s to help a family in need or
to raise the funds to preserve our world famous murals.
So whether you are a resident, a visitor, or a business looking to relocate,
WELCOME! Thanks for giving us a look, and please don’t hesitate to contact us
– that’s why we are here.
Deb Pinion, IOM
Executive Director
Bucyrus Area Chamber of Commerce
[2]
ARTICLES:
Bratwurst Festival.............................................. 6-7
Living in Bucyrus.................................................10
Shopping & Dining in Bucyrus......................14-15
Growing with Bucyrus....................................16-17
Our Business & Industrial Climate................18-20
Bucyrus Learns...............................................22-23
Great American Crossroads Mural................24-25
Calendar of Events...............................................26
Liberty Remembers Mural..............................32-33
Bucyrus on the Move...........................................35
Bucyrus Cares......................................................36
Faith & Fellowship in Bucyrus............................39
Active in the Arts............................................40-42
Bucyrus Quality of Life
Recreation & Leisure............................................44
Debra Pinion
Executive Director
Bucyrus Tourism & Visitors Bureau..............46-47
Government.........................................................49
Agriculture...........................................................50
History in Bucyrus..........................................52-53
Crawford Park District........................................54
Settling In.............................................................56
[3]
Laura Weir
Administrative Assistant
bucyrusohio.com 419-562-4811
Norton’s
Flowers
A Bucyrus Tradition
Since 1882
We deliver Flowers
-the perfect way to say I Love You,
Get Well Soon, Have a Great Day,
I’m Sorry & so much morelocally in Crawford county
or world-wide through FTD.
225 South Sandusky Avenue
Bucyrus, Ohio 44820
(419) 562-2816
nortonsflowersbucyrus.com
215 Crossroads Blvd.
Bucyrus, OH
419.563.0324
www.arcticcat.com
[4]
omig.com
HOME
HOME
For more than 100 years, we’ve called Bucyrus home.
We’re proud to be one of the largest employers in
Crawford County, and we have a vested interest in
seeing our community thrive.
Even as our company continues to grow,
we retain the small-town location and values
upon which we were founded.
Welcome to Bucyrus. We hope you will
feel right at home.
Since 1901 … keeping the promises that secure dreams.
[5]
Bratwurst Festival
Willkommen! Nothing reflects our
community’s strong German roots
like our famous Bucyrus-made
bratwurst, and each year in August,
the three-day Bucyrus Bratwurst
Festival celebrates our title of
Bratwurst Capital of America.
Tens of thousands of visitors throng
the streets during the festival,
enjoying a wide selection of free
entertainment including roving
accordion players, big name and
local bands playing everything from
polka and big band to country and
rock, drill teams and dancers, and an
occasional visit from the Ohio State
University Marching Alumni Band.
There are art and craft vendors on
the streets as well as an Art Show
and Contest that includes modern
photography and works of art as
well as traditional early folk art.
The family-friendly atmosphere
at the Bratwurst Festival includes
games and activities for children,
and an abundance of safe
carnival rides.
Each evening of the Festival features
a full parade, including marching
bands from area schools, floats from
organizations, and the Bratwurst
Festival pageant candidates from
whom the Bratwurst Festival Queen
[6]
and her court will be crowned at
the annual pageant.
Of course, the Bratwurst Festival
hasn’t been nicknamed “Ohio’s
Eating-est Festival” for nothing!
Hungry visitors will find lots of
tasty treats – from festival fare
like pretzels, funnel cakes, and ice
cream to barbecued chicken and
home-baked pies. And plenty of
BRATWURST! 30 to 40 tons of it
each year, all of it made here IN
Crawford County! You’ll find it
served traditionally – on a rye bun
with sauerkraut, as well as in an
infinite number of iterations,
Bratwurst Festival Parade
including bratwurst cakes, bratwurst
egg rolls, bratwurst casserole,
pitawurst and even bratritos
(bratwurst burritos)! If you like your
brats with a cold beer, you’ll find
a warm welcome in a Biergarten
sponsored by local fraternal
organizations.
Visitors to the Bratwurst Festival
find an enthusiastic welcome from a
friendly community – it’s why they
return year after year. (Well, that and
the bratwurst).
Stein Auction
[7]
Festival Food
Nobody sells for less
...
NOOO-BODY
419 - 468- 4602
®
Whetstone Animal
Hospital LLC
Serving Bucyrus since 1992
* Convenient daytime appointment hours
* Microchip Implantation
* Medical, Surgical, & Dental Services
* Preventative Immunization Care
* Radiology & Laboratory Services
* Flea Control & Grooming Products
* PET PORTALS – Access Your Pet’s Records Online
* LASER THERAPY for Arthritis, Sprains, & Chronic Wounds
Dr. Jeff Holter
419-562-0027
1321 E. Mansfield St.
Bucyrus, Ohio 44820
www.whetstoneanimal.com
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CRAWFORD
SUCCESS CENTER
130 North Walnut • Opening Fall 2015
[9]
Living in Bucyrus
The homes of Bucyrus
are filled with heart.
where we can accommodate the needs of
every resident.
Bucyrus offers a wide selection of single family
housing options in all price ranges, with
neighborhoods featuring large older homes
alongside contemporary models. You’ll find homes
situated on traditional small town streets, as well
as in more suburban planned developments. Our
residents’ pride in Bucyrus is evident in the care
taken with landscaping, maintenance, and holiday
decorations, and because of our small-city status,
you’ll find that everything you need is conveniently
located nearby.
The downtown shopping district is within easy
walking distance of many of our bucolic treelined neighborhoods featuring an abundance of
older traditional homes, many of which have been
handsomely restored and updated. Downtown
living is becoming more popular as well, as some
buildings are renovating upper levels to offer as loft
apartments.
More rural housing options abound on the outskirts
of town, with farmhouses, bungalows, and luxury
homes offering the privacy, acreage, and nature that
comes with life in the Heartland.
Looking for even more convenience? How about
maintenance-free living in a luxury condo, or living
simply in an efficiency apartment? Affordable rental
options at all price points are plentiful in Bucyrus,
[10]
Personal Banking • Business Banking
Trust & Investment Services
Serving families, businesses
and communities for
generations.
EQUAL HOUSING
LENDER
419.562.3040 | UnitedBankOhio.com
[11]
NOW
AVAILABLE
!
[12]
www.ryderheil.com
[13]
Shopping and Dining in Bucyrus
Bucyrus boasts a bustling and picturesque
downtown shopping district, with great
niche-market boutiques and shops
specializing in jewelry, accessories and
clothing, custom masks and costumes,
furniture and home décor, scrapbooking,
antiques, wine and craft beer, bakery
treats, and much more.
Neighborhood shopping centers
feature small independent shops as
well as national chains, and include
sporting goods, clothing, appliances and
electronics, and more. Bucyrus is also
home to several department stores, and
discount and drug stores. Our grocery
stores include national chains and
specialty grocers with fresh meat markets.
Dining options range from soup
and sandwiches at the local coffee
house to down-home cooking at our
neighborhood restaurants. Several
eateries offer a fine-dining experience for
a special night out. We have pizza and
sports bars, Greek, Chinese, and Mexican
cuisine, as well as bakeries and all of your
fast food favorites.
Bucyrus has two local event centers, and a number of other
venues for meetings and events of all sizes.
[14]
Norman’s Niche
U Be Dazzled
Carle’s Market
Dillinger’s
Little Athens
Pelican House
Cooper’s Mill
Baker’s Pizza
Amish Vault
Trinity Monuments/
Paradise Jewelers
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As an integral part of a vibrant locale, the Bucyrus Area Chamber of
Commerce recognizes the importance of an active and participatory
membership, and continually endeavors to provide our Chamber
community, as well as the greater Bucyrus community, with events and
opportunities for business education and support, promotion,
and family fun.
Our Chamber year kicks off with the Business & Industry
Forecast Breakfast in February, where our members hear
from representatives of major local organizations as they
recap results from the previous year and outline plans and
projections for the year to come.
Each April, the Chamber’s Celebration of Success gives us
a chance to honor all of the individuals who help our local
businesses and organizations thrive, and we name an annual
Employee of the Year and Boss of the Year.
Our annual Chamber Golf Outing, usually held in August, is a
popular event, with lots of opportunities for networking and fun for
our members. The Annual Chamber Dinner is held in the fall and
provides another great chance for our members to get together as a
community, as does the Christmas Open House.
Bucyrus is well known in the area for our huge annual Santa Parade,
welcoming the jolly old elf (and many visitors) to town in great style, and for the Victorian charm of the
Chamber’s Candlelight Christmas, signaling the start of the shopping season for our boutiques and
specialty shops.
Our Chamber and its members also support, promote, and participate in many major community events and
activities, including the annual Bratwurst Festival and the Graffiti Cruise-In Car Show, both of which attract
tens of thousands of visitors to our town. The annual Historic Cemetery Walk, organized by the Chamber
with the support of the Crawford: 20/20 Vision Quality of Life team, is a fascinating look into the lives of the
amazing people who helped to build Bucyrus. We support the local Relay for Life event, and participate in
multiple fundraising activities supporting our local United Way of Crawford County and Junior Achievement
of North Central Ohio, as well as countless other community organizations and efforts.
[16]
[17]
Our Business and Industrial
and seat systems. ESCO Blades Bucyrus produces,
and is a major supplier of, road-grading and earthmoving blades; Ryder Heil Bronze custom-makes
and supplies bronze bearings, bushings, wearplates
and thrust washers; and Advanced Fiber Technology
makes cellulose insulation among other
fiber-based components.
Bucyrus is home to an economically healthy
and balanced mix of industry and agribusiness.
More than 20 industrial firms make products and
parts for the automotive, construction, energy,
food, recreation, lighting and mining industries.
For example, Bucyrus is home to: the largest
manufacturer of 40-watt fluorescent lamps in the
General Electric facility, GE’s Center of Linear
Lighting Excellence; the largest locomotive crane
manufacturer at Ohio and American Locomotive
Crane Company; and the nation’s largest
manufacturer of mobile stone-crushing equipment—
Eagle Crusher.
Bucyrus’ diversity is reflected in the existence of
three custom-design jewelry manufacturing firms
and the nation’s oldest copper kettle manufacturer at
D. Picking and Company. In addition, Crossroads
Original Designs manufactures scented, decorative
candles that are distributed worldwide.
Bucyrus also has one
of the most automated,
tapered roller-bearing
plants in the nation
at Timken Company.
Transco Railway
Products, Inc. is a
major railroad car
rehabilitation plant.
Other industrial
firms include Bucyrus
Precision Tech and
IB-Tech, which
provide the automotive
industry with
transmission shafts
The governmental/civic environment is businessfriendly. A recent Retention and Expansion Survey
revealed existing industry leaders’ pleasure at having
government and civic leaders who are known for
being accessible, working collaboratively to solve
problems and for creating an environment that
encourages development as well as strengthens
existing businesses.
Quality Infrastructure
and Utilities
The 160-acre Outhwaite Ground Reservoir is fed
by the Sandusky River and provides a three-year
on-hand reserve of raw water for the community.
Bucyrus municipal water and sanitary plants have
[18]
Climate
sufficient capacity to supply current and future industrial needs. Electricity
is supplied to Bucyrus by American Electric Power and natural gas by
Columbia Gas of Ohio. Both utilities are deregulated. Telecommunications
service options include Century Link and Time Warner Cable, which
provide coax and fiber voice, data and video services as well as wireless
and broadband Internet.
Logistics
Bucyrus is located along US 30—a major four-lane artery that provides
one-day truck accessibility to two-thirds of the nation’s manufacturers.
Over 8,000 trucks connect with Bucyrus daily via US 30, which serves
shipping and distribution needs well. For businesses that import parts or
products from overseas, Foreign Trade Zone designation is available
upon request.
Active and Available Sites
Bucyrus also is home to Crossroads Industrial Center, a Class A industrial
park. Seven companies call Crossroads home. Combined, they employ
1,200. Eight sites remain for future development. One site is third-partycertified as highly desirable for the food and beverage industry. Other
available sites and industrial buildings in Bucyrus provide various options
for industrial location and expansion.
continued on page 20
[19]
Our Business and Industrial Climate continued. . .
Education, Workforce and Job Availability
Current job openings in Crawford County represent employers in
various sectors from manufacturing to retail, education, small business,
financial services and banking, and health care. Our largest employer is
Avita Health System which serves both Bucyrus and Galion hospitals as
well as other medical offices in the region. Annual hiring fairs give job
seekers access to employers and available jobs throughout the region
and programs like WAGE (Workforce Awareness for Graduates and
Educators), connect area schools to businesses so students are aware of
opportunities available to them and the skills they need to obtain them.
Workforce training options are available throughout the area—some
are customized on demand. Supervisor Boot Camp, for example, offers
basic training to enhance the skills of front-line supervisors from all
employment sectors, and is available twice a year through Crawford:
20/20 Vision. Community leaders have their pulse on local business
needs, and groups like the Crawford County Business Education
Advisory Council are working toward strengthening this connection.
In addition, the Crawford Success Center—a satellite location of North
Central State College—offers access to higher education and workforce
training to residents of all ages.
S
ince 1888 Peoples’ Savings
and Loan has been a proud
part of Crawford County, Ohio,
and we look forward to serving
Bucyrus and surrounding
communities through the 21st
century and beyond.
Two Locations
To Serve You Better
MAIN OFFICE
300 S. Walnut St., Bucyrus
419-562-6896
NORTH BRANCH
1530 N. Sandusky Ave., Bucyrus
419-563-0519
www.peoplessavingsandloan.com
Bradly A. Seibert
Lee K. Plymale
125 W. Rensselaer St., P.O. Box 585, Bucyrus, Ohio 44820
419-562-3904 • 800-487-3904 • Fax: 419-562-4548
Email: leep@rrohio.com
[20]
[21]
Bucyrus
Learns
Education in
Crawford County
Bucyrus and the greater Crawford County
community are proud of the range and depth of
educational opportunities available to students of all
ages in our area.
The county boasts six public school districts serving
students in grades K through 12, each of which
offer rigorous academic programs which adhere to
elementary and secondary standards for the state.
Our schools offer a full array of extracurricular
activities, including music, athletics, and community
service, providing ample opportunities for social and
emotional growth, and building community spirit.
Faith-Based
Learning
There are also many
choices for parents
who opt for a faithbased education. The
Catholic Church operates
three parochial schools in Crawford County for
grades K through 8, and welcomes all students,
regardless of denomination. Holy Trinity/St. Joseph,
St. Bernard, and Sacred Heart schools each offer a
rigorous academic environment, with a low student-
teacher ratio and cutting-edge technology, as well
traditionally strong sports programs. Students
continuing a parochial education through high
school travel to St. Peter’s in Mansfield.
Wayside Christian School in Bucyrus provides a
traditional academic curriculum while nurturing
the spiritual growth of students in grades K through
12 with a supportive environment fed through the
teaching and application of biblical principles in
every activity and outreach. Wayside welcomes
students of all faiths.
Technical Training
and Adult Ed
Local secondary school students who prefer a more
technical approach to their training may opt to enroll
in a Pioneer Career and Technology Center
program, offered via their school district.
Pioneer provides an exciting and dynamic
environment for students who are pushed
to develop expertise, confidence and a
strong work ethic while being trained by
industry-experienced staff. Students earn
business and industry certifications and
college credits leading to a successful transition to
college and the region’s high-demand careers.
Wayside Christian School
Pioneer also offers extensive adult education
classes, and flexible career development programs,
[22]
combining strong academic certifications with
hands-on access to the latest technology trends and
simulated work environments.
Crawford Success Center
More opportunities for area residents to expand their
horizons, increase earning power
Crawford County residents have more access to training and education
closer to home with the imminent opening of the new Crawford
Success Center (CSC). A collaborative effort between Crawford County
organizations and business representatives, and North Central State
College (NCSC), this satellite location of NCSC is located at 130 N. Walnut
Street in Bucyrus (the former Board of Elections building, across from the
county courthouse’s main entrance).
Crawford College
Connection
Crawford College Connection is a not-for-profit
organization working to provide college access
services to students and their families by motivating
students to plan for higher education, advising
students regarding the financial aid process, and
providing grant assistance.
“Our research indicates that education pays,” said Dr. Dorey Diab,
president of North Central State College. “A look at recent statistics
shows that, the more education a person completes, the more
opportunities they typically have to earn more money. We believe that
providing more educational and training opportunities for students,
educators, and employers will lead to an improved quality of life for the
community as a whole.”
Aside from offering courses closer to home for students already
pursuing degrees at NCSC, the Crawford Success Center focuses on
new education and training opportunities to better serve the needs of
first-time college students and our area’s workforce. Focus groups held
this summer sought input from area employers and revealed a need in
Crawford County for training that could help current employees advance
more in their careers, as well as training that will help those
looking to get started on a new or different career. Programs to be
offered at the CSC include Industrial Readiness Training, Business
Management and Agriculture Management.
Higher Education in
Crawford County
The Crawford
Success Center will
open in Bucyrus
in Fall 2015 as a
higher education
and training site
established by North Central State College. The
Success Center class offerings will focus on training
for careers in manufacturing, health care and
business and will include developmental classes to
prepare for college, as well as tutoring, enrollment
and financial aid services.
The 7,000+ square-foot space, designed by architects from SoL
Harris/Day, includes classrooms, offices, state-of-the-art equipment
and technology tol enhance students’ experience in the learning
environment and help ensure their success. In addition, the
Crawford Success Center also serves as a place where residents can
learn more about how education and training can lead to success
in their own lives—personally and professionally.
“Education is a key building block for revitalizing our County,”
said Gary Frankhouse, Crawford County’s Economic Development
Coordinator. “Our businesses require a skilled work force, and education
is a means to that end. Ultimately, we’re looking to increase the
percentage of students seeking post-secondary education, and the
partnership with North Central State College will be a giant leap forward
to achieving those results. But the Center also provides our citizens
opportunities to expand their horizons and improve their earning
power.”
Though funds for the project have been raised at the local and state
level, it is the support of local residents, parents, prospective students,
educators and employers that really make the Center a game-changer
for Crawford County.
A full range of entry-level general education classes,
including English, history, and math will also be
offered in the high-tech, multifunctional Center
classrooms. North Central State College will be
relocating the current county distance learning
classes to the new center, and will offer GED and
other services.
“We’re thrilled to see excitement and support build in the Crawford
community,” said Dave Williamson, director of the Crawford County
Partnership for Education and Economic Development. “We’re going to
need everyone’s help to keep it going—from talking about the benefits
education can bring to our lives, to investing in it for themselves, their
children, their employees.”
For more information about CSC, or to find out how you can support
the initiative, contact Keith Stoner, Marketing Director
for NCSC, kstoner@ncstatecollege.edu, 419.755.4810,
or Michelle Failor, Communications Coordinator for the Partnership,
michellef@crawford-co.org, 419.563.1809.
[23]
Great
American
Crossroads
Mural and Millennium Park
Organized by the Downtown Revitalization
Committee (a division of the Bucyrus Area
chamber of Commerce) and coordinated by
the Community Foundation for Crawford
County (fka the Bucyrus Area Community
Foundation).
FACTS & FEATURES
ARTIST:
Eric Grohe
of Marysville, Washington
ENGINEERING BY:
Makeever & Associates
of Bucyrus, Ohio
CONSTRUCTED BY:
Quinn Bros. Construction
of Bucyrus, Ohio
ELECTRICAL BY:
Kinsey Electrical of Carey, Ohio
LANDSCAPING BY:
Oberlander’s Tree &
Landscape of Bucyrus, Ohio
BRICK IMPRINTING BY:
Trinity Monuments
of Bucyrus, Ohio
Work on the mural and park
project began July 1, 1999 and the
mural was dedicated on October
26, 1999. The mural cost $70,000;
the park project cost $335,000.
The mural is 34’ high and 130’
wide, and is painted primarily
with Sherwin Williams house
paint. The mural is coated with
a protective anti-graffiti coating,
and the park and mural are under
24 hour video security.
The Millennium Park and Mural
project is completely privately
funded and no city, state, or
federal money was used in the
project. The Timken Foundation
and the Shunk Foundation
contributed to the project, as
did countless individuals
and organizations.
Continuing investments are
made for upkeep on the wall
and repairs and preservation of
the painting, and tax deductible
donations to the mural project
are always welcome. Please
contact the Community
Foundation for Crawford
County at info@cfcrawford.org
or the Bucyrus Area Chamber of
Commerce at bacc@bucyrusohio.
com for information about
donating to the mural project.
FOX’S POPCORN
WAGON occupied the town
square for over 60 years, providing
popcorn, caramel apples,
peanuts, and a social gathering
place. Recently the Chamber
commissioned a replica that was
built by the Pioneer Career & Tech
Center students. It is operated
on weekends by the Waycraft
sheltered workshop, with
funding from
the Bucyrus
Kiwanis Club.
THE YOUNG
PAPER BOY
INDUSTRIAL PANEL
heralds the arrival of
the local newspaper
The Evening Telegraph,
in Bucyrus since 1887.
Reading the paper is Robert Clark
Neff, a longtime City
Law Director.
represents a portion of Bucyrus’
past and present. The Timken Co.,
D. Picking Copper Kettle works,
The Shunk Co. plows, and the
Ohio Crane Co. (whose cranes
helped dig the Panama Canal)
only touch on a part of industry
in Bucyrus.
THE THREE
GENTLEMEN
in front of the Elberson Hotel
represent Thomas Edison, Harvey
Firestone, and Henry Ford, all
of whom stayed at the Elberson
when attending President
Harding’s funeral.
THE MAN IN THE
BASEBALL CAP
WESTERN UNION
OFFICE. During the war
represents today looking back into
the past.
[24]
too many families were called
to the Western Union office to
receive news of loved ones’ fates.
In the mural, Carol Newland, a
soldier’s wife, receives word of her
husband’s passing days after the
birth of their baby.
CROSSING
THE STREET
HEADED FOR THE
COURTHOUSE, former
longtime Bucyrus Mayor Paul
Outhwaite, also owner of the local
tire shop, is shown with briefcase
in one hand and a tire in the other.
IN FRONT OF THE
COURTHOUSE beloved
artist hints at these stories
with the gentleman in
front of the street car.
THE ELEPHANT atop
the Geiger Clothing store was
placed there as an advertising tool.
Geiger’s motto was, “Buy your
clothing here, for it will last like
the hide of an elephant.” The “B”
stands for Bucyrus, of course.
THE INTERURBAN
ELECTRIC STREET
CAR served Bucyrus, Galion,
Seccaium Park, and Marion from
1899 to 1935.
town historian and photographer
THE BANKER AND
Bill Steele takes a picture of
THE SOLDIER. The story
mural artist Eric Grohe and his
is told that during WWII, General
bride Kathy. The couple became
Eisenhower disembarked a train
engaged while in Bucyrus working
passing through Bucyrus to place
on the mural.
a phone call. Eisenhower is shown
here approaching Mr. Blicke of
ALONG THE LEFT
the Bucyrus City Bank to “bum a
SIDE OF THE
CENTRAL IMAGE the dime” for the call.
shops are typical of those found
THE LINCOLN
in this area in this period. The
HIGHWAY, known today
quilts of local seamstress Lois Ide
as Business Route 30, is called
are displayed in one store window.
“America’s First Coast to Coast
Local rumors have long alleged
Roadway,” and passes through
that during the 1920s Bucyrus was
Bucyrus on this very square.
a “cooling off ” spot for gangsters
Lincoln Highway markers, similar
from big cities like Chicago. The
[25]
to the one depicted here, dot the
original road from coast to coast.
CHILDREN WITH
THE VIOLIN. Augustus
Juilliard, great uncle of local
banker Juilliard Blicke, approaches
young musicians, making note of
their names. Mr. Juilliard went on
to found the Juilliard School of
Music in New York City.
THE AGRICULTURE
PANEL salutes Crawford
County’s largest industry, paying
tribute to farm families past
and present.
THE WINDOW AT
THE FAR LEFT represents
the present looking down on the
park below. Cell phone in hand,
the person depicted stands ready
to keep a watchful eye on the park.
Many other stories and scenes are
played out in the Great American
Crossroads Mural. The people
and activities were chosen from
various times through the last 100
years. More than 130 Bucyrus
citizens modeled for the artist,
88 of whom can be found in
the mural.
Calendar of Events
February
- Chamber of
Commerce Business
& Industry Forecast
Breakfast
April
- Model Railroad
Train Show
- Chamber of
Commerce
Celebration of Success
- Kiwanis Community
Garage Sale
May
- Hobo Day at The
T&OC Train Station
-Speakeasy
Dinner Theater
June
- Music at the Mural
- Sip, Shop, & Stroll
- Antique Farm
Machinery Show
- Kiwanis Chicken BBQ
- New Washington
Hatchery Festival
- Graffiti Cruise-In
Car Show
- Arts in the Park
- Relay for Life
July
May - October
- Bucyrus Farmers Market
August
- Chamber of
Commerce
Golf Outing
- Music at the Mural
- Sip, Shop, & Stroll
- Bratwurst Festival
- Best “Wurst” Bike
Ride & Raffle
-Bucyrus
Cemetery Walk
September
- Eliminators Car Show
- American Legion
Chicken Barbecue
-Crestline
Harvest Festival
- Galion Oktoberfest
- Music at the Mural
- Sip, Shop, & Stroll
- Kiwanis Fireworks
- Crawford County Fair
-Bucyrus
Historical Days
[26]
October
- Lowe-Volk Halloween
Family Fun Night
November
- Santa Parade
- Bucyrus Holiday
Shop Hop
- Bucyrus Hospital
Gift Shop Santa’s
Helper Sale
December
-Downtown
Candlelight Christmas
- Bucyrus Hospital
Snowflake Bazaar
- Harvey School
Christmas
Open House
Illuminating
the World,
A Path Through
Bucyrus
Employees at a Bucyrus-area employer are responsible
for illuminating businesses and homes across the world, one
bulb at a time. GE’s Bucyrus Lamp Plant has been a pillar in
the community since 1942, producing lighting products for
consumer and commercial customers.
The plant’s 330 employees produce 100+ million linear
fluorescent lamps annually, which illuminate retail ceilings,
office ceilings and many other commercial spaces, as well as
40+ million Soft White bulbs. The Plant’s products are sold to
consumers through retailers such as Walmart, Lowe’s
and Target.
“We take pride in our lamps,” says Betty Orewiler a
35-year employee of the plant. “We take pride in everything
we put inside the lamps, from the smallest detail to the
largest detail. When we see our products on the shelf, we say,
‘we made that at Bucyrus.’”
In the past five years, the plant has
experienced unprecedented growth,
more than doubling the size of its
workforce and bringing new opportunities
to the residents of Bucyrus and the
surrounding area.
In 2009, the plant was named GE
Lighting’s Center of Excellence for the
manufacture of Linear Fluorescent lamps,
driving considerable growth. In 2014, the
company invested even more in the plant
by adding equipment to manufacture Soft
White bulbs as part of a Made-In-America
collaboration with Walmart. These
bulbs have a similar quality of light as
incandescent bulbs, but save consumers
about 28 percent in energy costs. They
also offer an energy-saving alternative to
incandescent bulbs, which were phased
out following new energy standards for
lighting in recent years.
In 2014, the plant hired 40 new
employees to support the Soft White
product line and expects to add to that
number as volume increases.
“The people of this factory are an
outstanding workforce and continue to
deliver year after year,” said Matt Novak,
Bucyrus Plant Manager. “It’s the spirit and
aptitude of our team that makes us a site
that the company is confident to invest in.
We are proving in Bucyrus that American
manufacturing can be competitive.”
GE leadership isn’t the only one taking
note. In the past few years, the plant has
received visits from Governor John Kasich,
Congressman Jim Jordan, Senator Dave
Burke and Rep. Jeff McClain to celebrate
the growth and investment in the plant.
Walking through the plant, it’s evident that employees are
excited about its growth. Many tenured employees say their
jobs are coveted.
“I’ve worked for GE at the Bucyrus Lamp Plant for more
than 20 years, and it has always made a good living for my
family,” said Bill Collins, Technician & Union President. “I’m
proud to work at the Bucyrus Lamp Plant because when
people find out I work for GE, they know I make good pay with
good benefits, and we’re committed to what we do here.”
Making great products isn’t the only way employees at the
Bucyrus Lamp Plant contribute. Employees also engage in a
multitude of volunteer efforts in the local community. Bucyrus
represents one of four GE Lighting Volunteer Councils globally.
Additionally, through their work with Junior Achievement,
employees help develop the next generation of GE employees
by giving grade-school students broad skill sets that they
need to succeed both in school and in the workplace.
Finally, the plant gives back to Bucyrus and the surrounding
communities with donations such as lighting the Athletic
Center at the Bucyrus High School and building an Outdoor
Learning Lab for Buckeye Central School.
While the Bucyrus Lamp Plant is in the business of
illuminating homes and businesses around the world, it’s truly
been a shining contributor in the Bucyrus community for
more than 70 years. We expect that light to continue to shine
for many years to come.
GE Lighting is a leader in
technology, manufacturing
and marketing in the global
lighting industry with significant
operations in Cleveland, Ohio
and throughout North American,
South American, Europe, and
Asia. GE Lighting, today, sells
thousands of lamp products and
lighting systems and solutions
for commercial, industrial, and
consumer markets. Lighting
product families include
LEDs, halogen, high intensity
discharge, linear fluorescent,
compact fluorescent light
bulbs, incandescent, stage/
studio, miniature/sealed beam,
projection, automotive, and
lamp components. GE Lighting
is an approximately $2.7 billion
business with a combined global
work force of nearly 17,000
employees in many countries,
manufacturing and selling in
over 100 world markets.
Timeline & Milestones
1913 - The National Quality
Lamp Division of the
General Electric Company
relocated the headquarters
from downtown Cleveland
to Nela Park in East
Cleveland. The move took
19 hours and 200 horse
drawn vans.
1921 - The Lighting Institute
building was constructed,
originally as a cafeteria.
1946 - The Lighting Institute
building was repurposed
and assumed the name
“General Electric Lighting
Institute.” Mrs. Thomas
Edison was on hand for the
dedication.
1975 - Nela Park was listed as
a “Historic Place” in the
U.S. Department of the
Interior’s National Register.
2006 - The GE Lighting Institute
underwent a multi-million
dollar renovation.
2010 - GE Lighting established
GE Light Solutions,
a combination of its
LED lighting business,
Lumination, and its
commercial and industrial
fixture manufacturing
business, GE Lighting
Systems.
2012 - GE Lighting’s Vision &
Strategy: GE Lighting will
change the way people
light and think about their
world. Our strategy: Win
with Green Solutions... Build
World-Class Operations.
. . Transform Commercial
Capability.
[31]
Liberty Remembers Mural
Organized by the Downtown Revitalization
Committee (a division of the Bucyrus Area
Chamber of Commerce) and coordinated by
the Community Foundation for Crawford
County (fka the Bucyrus Area Community
Foundation) and Projects Inc.
FACTS & FEATURES
ARTIST:
Eric Grohe
of Marysville, Washington
ENGINEERING BY:
Makeever & Associates
of Bucyrus, Ohio
CONSTRUCTED BY:
Teynor Builders
of Bucyrus, Ohio
Work on Liberty Remembers
began June 6, 2001 and the mural
was completed on November 11,
2001. The mural cost $115,000
and is 44’ high and 26’ wide.
Liberty Remembers is painted
with Keim Mineral paint.
The Liberty Remembers mural is
completely privately funded and
no city, state, or federal money
was used in the project. Local
veterans groups and service
organizations made generous
contributions to the project, as
did countless individuals, clubs,
and groups.
Continuing investments are
made for upkeep on the wall
and repairs and preservation of
the painting, and tax deductible
donations to the mural project
are always welcome. Please
contact the Community
Foundation for Crawford County
at info@cfcrawford.org or the
Bucyrus Area Chamber of
Commerce at bacc@bucyrusohio.
com for information about
donating to the mural project.
Liberty Remembers features
Lady Liberty cradling a dying
soldier in her arms. She is flanked
by the faces of 285 Crawford
County veterans, living and
deceased. The veterans depicted
in Liberty Remembers span
American military service from
the American Revolution in 1775
through 2001.
[32]
A pictorial legend listing all
of the veterans featured and
showing their location in the
mural is available on the Bucyrus
Area Chamber of Commerce
website at bucyrusohio.com.
THE VETERANS.
Word was sent out via local
media asking people to nominate
local veterans by submitting a
photograph from their time in
service and a short narrative.
Within two weeks, a spare room
in the artist’s temporary residence
was filled with letters, photos,
and memorabilia, including
medals, dog tags, bomber jackets,
and albums, even a saddle! 285
veterans were chosen from the
more than 500 submissions, with
the main criteria being the clarity
of the photograph from which
the artist would work.
COURIER DOG
NEMO. Nemo was a courier
dog who served during the
Vietnam war and was trained
by a local soldier who opted to
submit Nemo rather than himself
for depiction in the mural,
saying, “That dog saved more
lives than I could ever count.”
FRANK THE WAR HORSE. The mural
contains a horseshoe representing Frank the War
Horse. Frank was the cavalry steed of Abe Conger
during the Civil War, serving in Company A of the
12th Ohio. Frank attended company reunions until
his death on September 11, 1886. The war horse was
buried in full regalia on a farm near Bucyrus.
HARRY L. MARTIN is shown in
the front row of the veterans on the Liberty
Remembers Mural. First Lieutenant Harry Linn
Martin was a United States Marine Corps officer
who posthumously received the Medal of Honor
for his actions on Iwo Jima on March 26, 1945.
LAURETTA M SCHIMMOLER
is also depicted in a front row of the mural.
Lauretta was an aviator who became the first
woman to establish an airport (the Bucyrus Airport).
She was the first woman to command an American
Legion post, and was the founder of the Aerial Nurse
Corps of America, the predecessor of the flight
nurses of the US Air Force.
LADY LIBERTY. Artist Eric Grohe chose a
student he saw arriving at a local photography studio
for her senior portrait to pose as his Lady Liberty.
Eric Grohe
DYING SOLDIER. Mr. Grohe used his own
experiences in service in Vietnam as inspiration, and
asked his brother to pose as the soldier being held by
Lady Liberty.
SEPTEMBER 11, 2001. When word of
the terrorist attacks on America reached Bucyrus, all
work on the mural ceased. The partially completed
painting of Liberty became a repository for flowers
and notes, and a site of mourning for our community.
When painting resumed the next day, Mr. Grohe had
included a hand-lettered sign reading, “Her Torch
Still Shines, Our Flag Still Waves.” These lines were
later incorporated into the mural.
[33]
“Inspiring Every Part of Your Life, Everyday”
[34]
Bucyrus On The
Bucyrus calls herself “the
little city in the middle of
everywhere,” and we can back
it up! With fast and easy access
to major interstates, including
1-71, I-75, I-80, I-76, I-70, and
I-77, and five state highways
intersecting our borders, travel
to any part of the country is
readily available.
Move
trucker limit include Syracuse,
Baltimore, Toronto, Buffalo,
Chattanooga, Charlotte,
Raleigh, Richmond, Washington
DC and more.
Bucyrus is on the main northsouth rail line of NorfolkSouthern, with double-tracking
north and south of Bucyrus.
East-west rail service through
Bucyrus is via the CFE
(Chicago, Fort Wayne and East
division of Rail America) on
CSC lines.
Bucyrus’ location in the
state places us just about equal
distant from the major cities
of Columbus, Cleveland, and
Toledo. Chicago, Pittsburgh,
Local air traffic is handled at
Indianapolis and Louisville are
Port Bucyrus, with a 5000-foot
also within easy driving distance.
lighted runway, private hangars,
air-express, taxi, and auto rental
More than 56 trucking firms
service available.
serve the Bucyrus area, and
cities within the 400-mile
[35]
Passengers fly anywhere in the
world through international
airports at Columbus,
Cleveland, Toledo, Akron–
Canton, Dayton, Detroit,
and Cincinnati. Charter and
international freight service is
available via Rickenbacker Port
Authority International Airport
in Columbus.
Bucyrus
Cares
The cornerstone of healthcare in
Crawford County is Avita Health
System, encompassing their two
affiliate hospitals, Galion Hospital
and our own Bucyrus Hospital,
and the brand-new multi-specialty
medical facility at Avita Ontario.
Bucyrus Hospital is a 25-bed
hospital. Avita Bucyrus provides
outpatient services in radiology,
laboratory, cardiology, pulmonary,
oncology, orthopedics, surgery,
audiology and speech, and
physical and occupational
therapies. The hospital also
features a Wound Care center
with a hyperbaric chamber. Avita
Bucyrus features inpatient acute
medical surgical care and a five
bed intensive care unit.
In addition to a full range of
outpatient services, Galion
Hospital provides patients with
obstetrical care, rehabilitation care,
and a certified four suite sleep
center. The Surgery Department at
Avita Galion utilizes the daVinci
[36]
Robotic Surgery System, a stateof-the-art minimally invasive
system using the latest in surgical
and robotics technologies. Galion
Hospital is a short 12 mile drive
from Bucyrus.
Avita Health System multispecialty group features fifty
physicians and 20 Advanced
Practice Nurses, Nurse
Practitioners, and Physician
Assistants, and includes 24
clinics staffed by physicians and
advance practitioners in local
communities.
Bucyrus is also home to doctors
affiliated with Ohio Health
MedCentral hospitals in Mansfield
and Shelby, and Ohio Health
MedCentral has recently opened
a new Internal Medicine practice
in town.
We have a comprehensive array
of optometric, dental, and
orthodontic care providers, as
well as a kidney dialysis treatment
center and physical therapy clinics.
[37]
&
our
community
Manufacturers of world-class power
and manual seating devices.
Safety
Leadership
by Example
Quality Built In
Teamwork
People have the power
to transform lives.
Timken has a proud tradition
of supporting the
Bucyrus Community since 1951.
Proud to be part of the
Bucyrus Community.
www.timken.com
© 2014 The Timken Company
[38]
Bearings • Power Transmission Systems • Precision Components • Gears • Chain •
Augers • Seals • Lubrication • Industrial Services • Remanufacture and Repair
Faith
and
Fellowship
In Bucyrus
Bucyrus is a community filled with faith and
fellowship, as witnessed by our abundance of historic
church buildings. With nearly 90 churches in its
environs representing almost every denomination,
there is a place of worship and welcome available to
anyone seeking it.
Several options for faith-based education are offered by
Catholic parochial and Christian schools, and a strong
spirit of interfaith cooperation and coordination exists
in the community.
An offshoot of the Bucyrus Ministerial Fellowship,
Your Bucyrus Neighborhood Churches is an
organization of seven congregations and their church
neighbors working together to offer programs for
families and children, including One Starry Night,
Trunk or Treat, Vacation Bible School,
and many others.
BORN (Bucyrus
Outreach and Restoration
Network) is operated by
nine local churches, and
works to provide nonsustaining emergency
assistance to individuals
who have financial,
physical, emotional, educational, and/or spiritual
needs by networking with churches, agencies, and
individuals to promote effective and efficient use of
community resources.
Other churches work together on a variety of
community projects and events. There is seldom a
summer weekend without a church festival, barbecue,
or other event being offered in the community.
[39]
Active in the Arts
Some careers in the theater began at the BLT while
being introduced to the joy of performing, learning
basic theatre etiquette and stage directions. The BLT
supports itself primarily with revenue from ticket
sales; all on and off-stage work, as well as theatre
maintenance and business management, are done by
volunteers in the organization.
The importance of cultural and artistic pursuits for
the Bucyrus community began early on as the town
with a population of (then) only about 5,000 built
a large three story brick opera house and saw the
Shonert family teach advanced music study from
their Sandusky Avenue home. The years have been
kind, as Bucyrians continue to enjoy a large number
of diverse cultural opportunities and experiences.
Bucyrus is also lucky to have a second more recently
formed theater company, the Crawford Theater
Company. The Crawford Theater Company has
presented such productions as Shrek The Musical;
Disney’s Sleeping Beauty & Little Mermaid;
Nunsense A-Men; Les Miserables; Oliver!; and The
Rocky Horror Picture Show. Their productions have
been held at the Bucyrus Elementary Auditorium
and the Bucyrus Elks Club, and sometimes includes
dinner theater. The Crawford Theater Company also
hosts an annual Zombie Walk.
The Bucyrus Little Theatre was founded in 1951
as an outlet for community residents who enjoyed
performing and viewing live theater presentations.
Since the theater’s inception more than 2,000
community members have been involved with
Little Theatre productions. The BLT, as it is known,
owns its own 130 seat theater building which
recently underwent over $250,000 of fully funded
improvements which indicates the level at which
this organization is supported in the community.
Bucyrus Little Theatre treats our citizens to a four
show season ranging from comedy to drama and
musical comedy to musical review. In addition, BLT
provides a Summer Children’s Theater Production
that includes Disney Junior Musical Productions.
The Crawford County Community Concert
Association is an all-volunteer, non-profit
organization that has worked to bring top-notch
entertainment to Crawford County and NorthCentral Ohio for more than 40 years. Concerts are
[40]
Bucyrus also boasts United In Harmony, a popular
men’s singing group that concentrates on men’s
four part harmony. The members of this group
act as musical goodwill ambassadors for Bucyrus
and Crawford County. Their musical repertoire
includes patriotic numbers, Broadway show tunes,
spiritual, contemporary and light rock and “DooWop.” They appear all over north central Ohio and
have performed our national anthem at Cleveland
Indians, Cleveland Cavaliers and Columbus Clippers
games. They have also performed at the Bucyrus
Bratwurst Festival, Concert at the Park and Music at
the Mural and make themselves available to help at
non-profit organization fundraisers.
normally held at the Bucyrus Elementary School
Auditorium which enjoyed a privately financed
$600,000 restoration and renovation that was
completed in 2001.
Past seasons of the Crawford County Community
Concert Association have included such well known
performers as Glenn Campbell; Lee Greenwood;
The Oak Ridge Boys; The Letterman; John Tesh;
Floyd Cramer; Melissa Manchester; Debby Boone;
The Ohio State University Marching Band; The
Glenn Miller Orchestra, The Diamonds; The Toledo
Symphony Orchestra, The Mantovani Orchestra,
Tommy Dorsey Orchestra; The Ohio State University
Men’s Glee Club; The U.S. Army Field Band &
Soldiers’ Chorus and many, many more.
Part of the talent that appears in these groups and
some spectacular area church productions start in
area schools which have developed both concert
and advanced show choirs and bands that have
individual performances and major dinner theater
productions.
A myriad of popular instrumental and vocal groups
in the community include local favorite, the John
Kennedy Orchestra. Formed in 1956 as a dance
band, the Orchestra continues to wow audiences
all Ohio, performing at regional festivals and
events, including in Sandusky at Cedar Point. A
regular feature of local Bucyrus musical venues,
the John Kennedy Orchestra plays the “big band
sound” of the ‘30s, as well
as standards from the
40s, 50s, and 60s. The
John Kennedy Orchestra
is the only featured
music entertainment that
has been part of every
Bucyrus Bratwurst Festival
entertainment lineup since
the first Festival in 1968.
The Bucyrus Public Library is located in a newly
expanded and remodeled home that still includes
the original classic Greek Revival Andrew Carnegie
Library building. This
library has served Bucyrus
and the surrounding
community for more than
100 years.
continued on page 42
[41]
Active in the Arts continued. . .
The renovation and expansion of the library includes free Internet
and WiFi access for the community, and enables the library to host
a variety of programs, displays and exhibits throughout the year.
Local businesses and organizations make use of the spacious meeting
rooms and public spaces. The Bucyrus Public Library provides a
haven of fun, information, technology and history for all to enjoy.
The library often plays host to gallery shows for the Crawford
County Arts Council. The Arts Council works to initiate, support
and preserve quality arts experiences so as to strengthen Crawford
County culturally, educationally and economically. The Arts Council
stages art shows and sponsors events showcasing the talents of artists
in the community and creating awareness of varied art mediums.
The Arts Council is also working with Bucyrus Community Theatre,
Inc. and the City of Bucyrus to create a new downtown park and
outdoor events center to be known as Shines Art Park.
The community is also blessed to have a large number of both new
and long-established service clubs and “community cheerleaders”
adding to the quality of life in Bucyrus and Crawford County.
These service clubs, businesses and individuals make possible two
very popular summer concert series – Music at the Mural in Millennium Park, and Concert in the Park, at the
John Q. Shunk Carillon at Aumiller Park (the jewel of our many city parks).
Bucyrus is the home of the Community Foundation for Crawford County (formerly the Bucyrus Area
Community Foundation). The mission of the Foundation is to enhance the quality of life for all residents
in Crawford County by providing a way for people and businesses to make lasting contributions to their
communities and reinvesting its growing returns as grants and scholarships in our community. Since it was
created with support from The Timken Foundation in 1984, the Community Foundation has grown to more
than $14M (as of 12/31/14) in total assets and is able to provide grant requests in excess of $400,00 annually
for various community non-profits and scholarships. The Foundation and its professional financial advisers
actively manage the growing assets of over 45 separate non-profit organization endowments. The Foundation
has provided catalyst monies for dozens of projects to make our community a better and more interesting
place to live and work. Lastly, the Community Foundation for Crawford County has been accredited as
having fully met the rigorous quality and accountability standards of the National Council of Foundations.
This mosaic of mutually supporting organizations work together to make the Bucyrus area a culturally
interesting and satisfying place to start, grow, and raise a family, and a solid base for new and
expanding businesses.
[42]
[43]
Recreation & Leisure
Recreation is a critical aspect
of a community’s quality of life,
and Bucyrus is filled with leisure
time activities to suit all ages
and interests.
Organized sports are held at the
major city parks of Bucyrus and
include tee ball, minor league,
little league and senior baseball
and softball. Tennis and soccer
round out the lineup.
The Bucyrus city pool offers
plenty of summertime fun and the
Bucyrus Area YMCA continues
the fun year-round with indoor
swimming and state of the art
exercise facilities. The Y offers
a full schedule of classes and
activities for all ages, and provides
day care services as well as camps
and after-school care.
Love the outdoors? Our bucolic
city parks offer miles of trails for
biking and walking. Crawford
County boasts several beautiful
9 and 18 hole golf courses, and
Bucyrus has four reservoirs for
hometown fishing and boating.
Bucyrus residents love winter
sports, and we have lots of
local cross country skiers and
snowmobilers. Great downhill
skiing and tubing, as well as ice
skating, are available nearby.
[44]
Because Bucyrus is “in the middle
of everywhere,” big city leisure
amenities are just a short drive
away. Cedar Point Amusement
Park, Put-in Bay, the Mid Ohio
Sports Car Course, the Columbus
and Toledo Zoos, the Rock and
Roll Hall of Fame, and more – all
in Bucyrus’ backyard.
While most of the town turns out
to support the OSU Buckeyes, we
also have lots of professional team
franchises to root for, including
the Cleveland Indians, the
Cleveland Browns, the Columbus
Clippers, Columbus Blue Jackets,
and the Toledo Mudhens.
Est. 1874
Copper Kettles
D. Picking and Company
has been a manufacturer of
copper products since 1874.
We started with Apple Butter
Kettles and introduced Swiss
Cheese Kettles and Bowls for
Tympani in 1880. Later, copper
items were made to be used in
homes for primarily decorative
purposes. Available now are
hammered copper items such
as old fashioned Coal Hods and
Shovels; Flat Bottom Kettles,
decorative Bowls; round and
oval Wastebaskets; and Preserve Kettles;
Skimmers, Ladles, and Scoops. A most
highly prized item is a Miniature Cheese
Kettle made entirely by hand.
119 South Walnut Street • Bucyrus, Ohio 44820
419-562-6891 • www.dpicking.com
TRUSTED AT SAFE AND
PRODUCTIVE SITES
WORLDWIDE
MORE RELIABLE. IMPROVED SAFETY. EASIER USE.
Leading contractors trust ESCO Construction Products for performance and reliability.
Our design expertise and quality manufacturing enhance the productivity of our
competitive offering. ESCO offers the market-leading Ultralok® tooth system that
provides better machine performance, improved safety and simplified use.
escocorp.com
©2014 ESCO Corporation. All rights reserved.
[45]
Ready to come visit us?
The Bucyrus Tourism and Visitors
Bureau will make your trip a
breeze! Come for a day, or stay
for a week – we’ll be happy to
have you. Our free full-service
trip planning includes so many
unique tour packages to choose
from that you’ll want to come
back more than once. We’ll
make arrangements for stops for
shopping and dining as well.
Working Bucyrus
Visit Advanced Fiber Technology
and see the cutting-edge
technology used to convert waste
paper into eco-friendly industrial
products, and tour the state of the
art printing facility at The Herald
in nearby New Washington.
Watch the production process for
the famed hand-poured scented
candles at Crossroads Original
Designs (and shop the factory
store!), and see the apple butter
and jams and jellies being made at
Cooper’s Mill.
Growing Bucyrus
Immerse yourself in the rich
agricultural heritage of the
heartland! Enjoy a wagon tour
of the beef cattle farm at Hord
Livestock and visit their
[46]
modern, care-conscious pig
production facilities.
See the buffalo and Texas
Longhorns on the Circle E Ranch,
and visit the Huacaya alpacas at
Grass Run Alpacas. Watch the
intricate process of milking 400
cows two times a day at Pfeifer
Dairy Farms, and visit the Elk
Ridge Game Farm for a wagon ride
tour of the hunting preserve.
You’ll see how Ohio feeds the
nation at the Scott-Reinhard Seed
Warehouse & Soybean Treatment
Facility—a modern contrast to
a visit to the Crawford Antique
Farm Machinery Museum, where
you can see a large collection of
historic agricultural tools
and tractors.
Living History
Tour the D. Picking & Co. Factory,
where copper kettles are still
made using the hand-hammered
techniques and tools of the 1800s.
Visit the Bucyrus Historical
Museum and the historic Toledo &
Ohio Central Train Station.
See the Crawford County
Courthouse and the stained
glass dome. Visit Bucyrus City
Hall, which houses the Crawford
County Veterans Hall of Fame
Memorial, and see the marker
commemorating our place on
Ohio’s Underground Railroad.
Don’t miss the Bucyrus Speakeasy,
a remnant of our history as a
hideout for 1920’s gangsters,
and see the Lincoln Highway
Monument & Marker. Take a
trip down memory lane at
Carl’s Gas Station and 50’s
Memories, and see what class
was like in the early 1900s at the
Harvey One-Room Schoolhouse.
See the Mystery Ball grave marker
in Union Cemetery—no one
knows how the heavy marble ball
has revolved on its base over the
past 98 years. Maybe you can solve
the puzzle?
Visit the Galion Historic Society
and tour Bishop William
Montgomery Brown’s Brownella
Cottage, as well as Grace Episcopal
Church & Rectory Complex.
Tour the historic collection
of handmade Presbyterian
dolls at the First Presbyterian
Church, and see the Noah’s
Ark mural.
[47]
Experience the breathtaking
realism of our world-renowned
city murals—Great American
Crossroads and Liberty
Remembers—you’ll feel as though
you’ve stepped right into a piece
of our rich history. Visit St. Paul’s
Lutheran Church to see a third
mural by artist Eric Grohe—his
rendition of “The Light” depicts
Jesus ascending into Heaven.
Bucyrus and the greater Crawford
County area are Americana at
its very best. But don’t take our
word for it, call us at 866-5620720 or-check us out online at
visitbucyrus.com, then hop on the
road and come Discover Bucyrus!
228 S. Sandusky Ave.
Bucyrus, OH 44820
Phone: (419) 562-0588
• New Business Startup
• Agribusiness Planning
• Tax Planning &
Preparation
Garberick Realty Co.
Ginny Neighbor
920 E. Mansfield St.
Bucyrus, Ohio 44820
www.garberickrealty.com
• Payroll Processing
• Quickbooks Services
• Compilation & Review
Services
Cell: 419-689-1113
ginnyneighbor@yahoo.com
www.mizickmiller.com
[48]
Office: 419-562-5051
Home: 419-562-0649
Government
Bucyrus has a Mayor/Council form of government. The mayor serves a four-year term and the council is
made up of representatives from all four wards in the city and three councilors at-large. The City Council
meets every 1st and 3rd Tuesday at 7:30 pm in chambers at City Hall.
The city operates its own water supply and wastewater treatment plant. It provides garbage and trash
pickup, sweeps the streets regularly and removes or plows snow in the winter.
The Bucyrus Police Department is fully staffed with highly trained officers and detectives, and outfitted
with state of the art technology, vehicles, and equipment. The BPD patrols more than 89.4 miles of streets
in the six square mile city.
The Crawford County Courthouse, built in 1856, has expanded with a new administration building for all
non-court functions. The courthouse building has been renovated, and contains three courts.
The Bucyrus Fire Department is housed in our historic brick fire station, and is staffed by full-time
firefighters, keeping city insurance rates low. A rescue squad staffed by the fire department augments
a contracted paramedic service. Most emergency transports to major city
hospitals are done by life-flight services from Bucyrus Community Hospital.
The city has a full time electrician, cable TV channel, and Emergency Warning
Alert System.
Bucyrus is served by the Crawford County General Health District.
[49]
Agriculture
The biggest business in the county is agriculture,
with one hundred ninety three million dollars of
agricultural commodities sold in an average year.
Crop sales (corn, soybeans, and wheat) account for
74 percent of total receipts. There are approximately
634 farms in Crawford County with the average size
farm being 379 acres. Other products include dairy,
beef cattle, swine, fruit, vegetable, and maple syrup.
Producers in the county work hard to preserve the
land, water, and air that provide there lively hood.
In recent years more producers have moved to
no-till and are using cover crops to protect the soil
through the winter. The county also has had multiple
members on the state and national Soil and Water
boards.
Hord Livestock
Company, Inc., is
a fully integrated
family-run swine
and grain operation
that ranks in the top 30 in the country for total sow
numbers. They strive to use the latest technology to
produce pork in a safe, humane, and environmentally
sound manner.
There are a number of grain elevators and fertilizer
dealers nearby. Mennel Milling operates a modern
flour mill in Bucyrus. They have been milling wheat
into specialty flours for over 129 years. They also
produce wheat bran and wheat germ.
A livestock auction is held each Thursday at
United Producers Livestock Auction which sells
approximately 400 head each week.
The Ohio State University conducts agricultural
and horticultural research and educational
demonstrations at the OSU Unger Farm.
Farm ponds and reservoirs, along with the Sandusky
River, provide scenic beauty as well as a pastoral
setting for fishing, boating, and ice skating.
From the “Sandusky Plains” which the pioneers and
Native Americans shared, to the cranberry marshes,
Crawford County’s earth is rich and bountiful.
[50]
American Shoe Service
Mobile Shoe Store & Shoe Repair
230 South Sandusky Ave., Bucyrus, OH 44820
(419) 562-4866
www.americanshoeservice.com
Where Fit Comes First
Our store is located in the heart of down town Bucyrus, Ohio
offering a nostalgic look with our shoe repair visible from the
side walk, wooden floors and a large display of our Quality
Red Wing Brands footwear.
Offering Quality Shoe Repair
We strive to bring your old favorites
back to life with new soles, heels,
Before
patches polishes and more. We can
alter your footwear as recommended
by your medical professional such as
elevations and wedges. All shoe repair
is done with care on site. Contact us After
for personal old-fashioned service at
reasonable prices.
[51]
History in Bucyrus
Throughout our history, Bucyrus has been
known as a booming town, with lots going on,
and the city was often frequented by some of
the most famous people of the times. Crawford
County was named for Colonel William
Crawford, who was burned at the stake by the
area’s original native American inhabitants –
with some help from the British – in 1782.
As the town grew, the usual buildings sprang
up – blacksmith shops, a sawmill, a flour mill,
and a wagon shop. One unique operation was
the Roehr Mills, makers of beautiful wood
workings and moldings, many examples of which
remain in our historic homes. The coming of
the railroads in 1853 saw development hastened
when the Carroll family stepped down from the
train to begin the business of molding metals.
General William Wise came to Bucyrus in 1836
and established a furniture store and undertaking
business, and the Wise Funeral Home continues
to this day.
The name Bucyrus is certainly original, and was
penned by the man who first mapped out the
plans for the town. Colonel James Kilbourne,
our principal founder, was also a minister,
surveyor, road builder, and frequent customer
of the American House Hotel & Tavern, a
stagecoach stop on Sandusky Avenue. He opined
that he wanted a name “different from any place
inhabited by man since the dawn of time.” He
compressed the words “beautiful” and “Cyrus”
(a general in ancient Persia) into “Bucyrus.” He
even wrote a song about the town and glibly sang
it whenever the opportunity presented itself.
Before long, Bucyrus was prospering as an
industrial center, well-regarded for its heavy
material fabrication and its willing, diligent
workforce. This distinction, together with the
railroads, brought more businesses to the area,
including the world-famous Bucyrus-Erie
Company, which had its roots in Bucyrus, as did
the Shunk Plow Company and Bucyrus Blades.
Later, the Timken Company and General Electric
would choose to locate here for the same reasons.
Another pioneer, Samuel Norton, who reached
Bucyrus in October of 1819 and found a wigwam
standing in a woods that is now the courthouse
yard, aided Kilbourne in the plotting of the land.
In addition to its name, Colonel Kilbourne is also
responsible for contributing to the wide streets
and charming town square, where he conducted
the first sale of lots in the town.
Bucyrus is a steadily growing community that
retains its great heritage, combining the pride of
the past with progress for the future.
[52]
[53]
Crawford Park District
The Crawford Park District was created on November 16, 1994 by Probate Judge
Steven Eckstein following a public hearing. This followed two years of research
and meetings by a volunteer committee organized by Richard Carpenter to form
a park district. The District is governed by three volunteer Park Commissioners
appointed by the Probate Judge. In addition, the Commissioners have appointed
volunteers to serve on an Advisory Board to help guide the District. Primary goals
of the Crawford Park District are to preserve nature for its enjoyment now and in
the future and to educate citizens about the wonders of the natural world.
In 1998, the non-profit group, The Friends of
the Crawford Park District, was organized to
help fund projects and to support the mission
of the Park District. Due to many grantor requirements, it was the Friends
of the Crawford Park District who oversaw the funding and construction of
the Lowe-Volk Park Nature Center.
Current sites in the Crawford Park District include Unger Park, LoweVolk Park, Sears Woods State Nature Preserve, Heckert Nature Preserve,
Daughmer Prairie Savannah State Nature Preserve, and Sandusky Wildlife Area.
In addition, the Colonel Crawford Bikeway, which begins at Lowe-Volk Park, was
set up to guide bikers over township and county roads.
The Lowe-Volk Park Nature Center opened on December 21, 2002. The Nature
Center offers nature and history programs for families and environmental
education programs to area schools and other community organizations. Our
Nature Center is open year-round and features interpretive nature and local history exhibits, live animals, bird
feeders, and butterfly garden observation room. There is also an active bee hive, children’s learning center,
nature gift shop, and 2 six-foot diameter stained glass windows, all constructed in an environmentally friendly
manner.
A quarterly newsletter is sent to over 1,000 supporters. Newsletters contain informational nature articles, news
about Park District concerns, and most importantly, the newsletter details all scheduled public programs.
[54]
[55]
Settling In
Of course, one of the first orders of business for new
arrivals in town is to locate all of the services needed to
affect the task of settling in. Here is a list of some of the
numbers you might need.
Emergency Numbers
Ambulance Service
Life Support Team
Business Calls
419-462-5555
Emergency Calls
419-462-1911 or 911
Fire Department
To Report a Fire
419-562-1234 or 911
Business Calls
419-562-1351
Highway Patrol419-562-8040
Police Department
Emergency
419-562-1006 or 911
Business Calls
419-562-1006
Sheriff Department
Emergency
419-562-7906 or 911
Business Calls
419-562-7906
Bucyrus Hospital419-562-4677
Government
Board of Elections
Clerk of Courts
County Auditor
City Services
Mayor
Safety Services Director
City Tax Department
419-562-8721
419-562-2766
419-562-7941
419-562-6767 x223
419-562-6767 x224
419-562-6767 x233
County Services
Auditor’s Department
Commissioners Office
County Health District
Media
Radio - WBCO/WQEL
Newspaper - Telegraph Forum
Online - Crawford County Now
419-562-7941
419-562-5876
419-562-5871
419-562-2222
419-562-3333
419-562-2222
Internet Services
Frontier888-688-2964
Time Warner/RoadRunner
800-617-4311
WaveLinc419-562-6405
CenturyLink800-788-3600
Employment
Crawford Co Job & Family Services
419-562-0015
Utilities
American Electric Power
800-672-2231
Ohio Edison
800-633-4766
Columbia Gas
800-344-4077
City Water Dept
419-562-3081
CenturyLink800-788-3600
Time Warner
800-617-4311
Child Care Centers
Good Hope Lutheran Preschool
Little Stars Daycare
Bucyrus Nazarene Sonshine
Childcare & Preschool
419-562-0286
419-562-5167
419-562-4751
Recreation
Aumiller Park & City Parks
419-562-6767
419-562-7327
Bucyrus Public Library
Crawford Parks District
419-683-9000
Golf Courses
Golf Club of Bucyrus
419-562-0381
Cranberry Hills
419-492-2192
New Winchester
419-985-5190
Valley View
419-468-1226
Suburban Lanes Bowling
419-562-2249
YMCA419-562-6218
Education
Catholic
Holy Trinity/St. Joseph
419-468-5436
St. Bernard
419-492-2693
Sacred Heart of Jesus
419-342-2256
Private
Wayside Christian
419-562-5930
Public
Bucyrus City
419-562-4045
Buckeye Central
419-492-2266
Colonel Crawford
419-562-4666
Fairway419-562-3321
Wynford419-562-7828
North Central State College
419-755-4800
OSU at Mansfield
419-755-4113
OSU at Marion
740-725-6360
Pioneer Career & Tech
877-818-7282
Tri-Rivers Career Center
740-389-4681
This information was compiled by the Bucyrus Area Chamber of Commerce. If you have further
questions please call the Chamber office at 419-562-4811 or email bacc@bucyrusohio.com.
[56]
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Service Times:
Sundays 10am Wednesdays 7pm
You are family here!
(419) 563 - 9565 485 st. rt. 4 South
www.vitm.com