Back to Damerosehay: Zion German Reformed Church, Downtown

Friday, January 11, 2008

I really think this one's beyond hope.

irene said...: In the early 20th century the Germans sold it to a Jewish congregation, who in turn sold it to a Baptist congregation in mid-century. I think it has been abandoned for perhaps 30 years.

Somewhere on the web I've seen good B&W scans from early in the 20th century -- the library, perhaps?

It looks terribly dreary and lonely now -- 50 years ago it was surrounded by rows of densely packed low commercial buildings.

By the way, during the Great Depression, Canton Avenue was Toledo's Bowery.; January 11, 2008 at 5:49 PM
Jeffrey Smith said...: The library has some good pictures of it. I had posted some earlier, HERE.; January 11, 2008 at 5:56 PM
Alex Fries said...: was it locked? Or have you come across any inside photos?; January 13, 2008 at 3:59 PM
Jeffrey Smith said...: I believe it's boarded up. The Baptists would have made the interior boring anyway. Haven't looked for interior pictures, yet.
I'd already detoured to St. Mary's and wanted to got to the Spielbusch Block, so I didn't get close this time. Didn't think I could handle another detour. Good thing I didn't. I just made it to the bus station before my knees gave out. Two years ago, it would have been just a pleasant stroll, even with a few more detours.; January 13, 2008 at 4:20 PM