Preserving Our Heritage

In 1958 the original Way Library building, a Romanesque-style piece of architecture, was torn down. In 1963, the classic Italianate-style Township Hall where the Municipal Building now stands, was torn down. At about the same time, Congress passed the National Historic Preservation Act that enlarged the National Register to include state and local sites as well as traditional monuments and famous peoples' houses.

In 1968, the first federally funded inventory officially identified significant architecture in Perrysburg, and shortly thereafter two structures, the Old Wood County Jail and the Exchange Hotel building were listed on the National Register. Still later, a Historic District, where most of our historic buildings are located, was created and placed on the National Register. These events heightened citizen awareness of Perrysburg's architectural heritage and its need for attention to preservation and restoration of remaining structures.

The need for historic zoning...

All of this was further emphasized when, in 1977, a professional study, initiated by the Country Garden Club and financed by the National Trust, the city, and local civic organizations and banks, suggested the need for historic zoning and creation of a Design Review Board (later called the Historic Landmarks Commission) to monitor, clarify standards, and issue certificates of approval to owners in the Historic District who petition to make changes to the exterior of their properties.

Knowing that listing on the National Register is an honorary recognition only, a movement began to have a historic zoning ordinance passed that would enforce compliance with prescribed standards. There was some opposition to this, and with the need for organized support for the idea and preservation in general, Historic Perrysburg was created.

On May 3, 1977, a state charter was issued to Historic Perrysburg, Inc. to operate a non-profit, member-supported corporation "To cultivate an interest and awareness of the history and architecture of the Perrysburg area...and to provide assistance in the preservation of old buildings and sites."

Historic Perrysburg's accepted mission revolves around preservation. It was never intended as a historical society, though it recognizes that preservation includes local history. And it continues reminding people that it has no connection with the City of Perrysburg administration, nor has it any authority whatever to dictate what people can do with their properties.