Progress? Yes, but bittersweet (Toledo, OH)

Toledo, OH

Just imagine ... it's 1887 and Toledo, Ohio is a bustling hub of commerce. There are new and exciting things taking place every day. Events that will help to shape Toledo, Ohio into a city steeped in innovative thought, progressive ideals and a well built base of the manufacturing industry.

And it's only the beginning ...

Meet Miles D. Carrington (Jan. 1, 182? - March 22, 1887). Mr. Carrington moved to Toledo, Ohio in 1854 to continue his business partnership with Theodore B. Casey. Together they opened Carrington & Casey Grain Commission House.

An excerpt from Toledo Heritage Pursuit:

In 1861, the Toledo Board of Trade was established, of which he was one of the first Directors, as he repeatedly was in subsequent years; while in 1868, and again in 1869, he was Vice President, and was the President in 1871. Upon the organization of the Produce Exchange in January, 1876, Mr. Carrington was elected as a Director, as he afterwards repeatedly was, and as President in 1880.

As you can see, Mr. Carrington was a pioneer in his own right. A true contributor to the rich history that Toledo, Ohio enjoys. A storied and fascinating history that is full of little known accomplishments and events that contributed to the growth of our country as a whole.

Now to the bittersweet part ...

In 1887, the year of Mr. Carrington's death, this beautiful Italianate mansion was built and became known as the Carrington House. A dwelling that commanded majesty and respect in the Vistula district. The Carrington House was built directly behind the Casey-Pomeroy Mansion.

The Lucas County records indicate that the Carrington House was transferred to the Catholic Diocese of Toledo in 1948. At that point this grand old home took on many roles, but for the last several (many) years it has sat vacant, boarded up and pretty much forgotten. Until now ...

The facade of the Carrington House was regal. The looming three story structure was iconic. Appointed with architectural detail so common in the late 1800s, high ceilings, arched windows, rich wood floors and handrails. But through the years this grand old home became another casualty in the Battle of Progress.

Having fulfilled a purpose, served its' owners faithfully ... it got vacated and boarded up. Mother Nature and age took its toll. Water leaked through the aging roof, the beautiful wood became rotted and unable to hold the weight of a human being. The time had come. Time to say goodbye - but not without mixed emotions.

The vacancy that is created by the loss of the Carrington House is slated to be the home of some new brownstone townhouses. The Vistula Historic Fondation has been working with a group from South Carolina that will be taking on that project. New construction that will fit into the grand architectural style of the area. I am excited to know that the loss of the Carrington House was not in vain.

These are photos of the Carrington House - some from the archives of the Toledo Lucas County Public Library, some from the Lucas County Treasurer's office, and some I took the day of demolition.

Library archive photo

A sad face. The day of demolition.

The assault of the demo crew.

Notice the glass tower of modern architecture looming in the background.

Sad ... so sad.

She was a beautiful old girl in her time. Just think of the man hours and the craftsmanship that was so necessary to construct something like this in 1887!!

Stay tuned - I hope to have a piece on the Casey-Pomeroy Mansion transformation soon!