Before the 124 to 130 block of Louisiana Avenue was divided into four sections, it was a large hotel. Built in 1830 for Joseph Creps, it was first named the Eagle Hotel, then the Baird House, and finally the Franklin House.

Many believe the photo above was taken in the 1890s; note the woman on the corner.

Remodeled in 1858 for a general business building, it became known as the Phoenix block. Some of the early occupants included William Crook, who sold agricultural implements; A.R. Champney and Charles Wright drug stores; Peck and Hamilton Hardware; a couple of furniture stores and grocery markets. On the second floor were various doctors, dentists and real estate offices.

A.C. Fuller Dry Goods occupied 124 for many years, then the Medicine Chest and Westhaven Drug.

Grogan Realty was there in the 1970s until community leader Paul Sargent took over the space with his realty business in the early 1980s. Currently, 124 is the home of Howard Hanna Realty, keeping the streak of having a realtor at this location for more than 50 years.

The Sanitary Restaurant served homecooked meals at the 126 location from 1923 to 1957. After they closed, Schemenauer Shoes sold family footwear there until 1972 when Mills Hardware expanded their paint department into this space.

The Kazmaier family, who has been selling groceries in Perrysburg since 1898, occupied 128 to 130 until they moved to their present location in 1963. That is when Bob Mills moved his hardware business from 214 Louisiana one block north.

Mills Hardware took care of Perrysburg’s hardware needs until it closed in 2013.

Today, the Perrysburg Messenger Journal has the popular corner spot, with Pure Barre next door and residential apartments on the upper level.

Mark Weber is a Perrysburg city councilman. He has a large collection of Then and Now photos, which he’s happy to share.