Bedford Township History
Current News:
Please Note: The purpose of this page is to share information concerning the history of Bedford Township and the surrounding area. We are always looking for newspaper articles, photos and stories concerning Bedford Township community members who have had an impact on our community in the past. We also would appreciate any photos of old landmarks and any current newspaper articles relating to the history of Bedford Township. Please send any information that you would like to submit to Gene Stock.
Quick Links: Raceway Park Hachman Farm Supply Hachman Hardware & Feed Zeilers Temperance Distilling St Joseph Church & School
Reid
Stout Dr. Keane Bedford Branch Library
Current Buildings in Bedford Township
May 2015:
Hachman Hardware & Feed to Close (Photo courtesy of The Bedford Press)
Many of us, especially those of us who lived here all of our lives, were very saddened to hear the news that Hachman Hardware & Feed will close this summer. Best wishes to the Hachman Family and the Bill Mannor Family. The owners and employees at Hachman's were always so very helpful and friendly. Thanks for all that you have done in supporting the Bedford Community over the years
Click here to view Hachman Hardware & Feed Facebook Page
Click here to view Hachman Hardware & Feed web site.
Click here to read additional information concerning Hachman's
Media coverage:
Bedford Now/Monroe News May 28, 2015: Hachman Farm Supply to close in July
Toledo Blade May 25, 2015 :Hard times spark wistful closing for beloved hardware
Bedford Press May 18, 2015: Bedford to lose one of its oldest businesses.
Monroe News June 18, 2011: Hachman store owner feted for longevity
Click here to view the complete Real Estate Listing information for Hachman Farm Supply
A big "Thank You" goes out to the Zeiler Family for their courteous service to the residents of Bedford Township for the past 69 years. They have been a great role model for other businesses in Bedford Township. Jack Zeiler and his family have been loyal supporters of the Bedford Community! Best wishes to the Zeiler Family and "welcome" to the new owners.
Click here to view the sales listing info for Zeiler's Farm Market. It contains complete information concerning the property (6 pages).
Bedford Now May 28, 2015: Zeiler’s Farm Market Closed While Its New Owner Remodels
Toledo Blade May 14, 2015: Zeilers selling family market after 69 years; Bedford Twp. business began as farm stand.
Additional Photos of Zeiler's Farm Market
Click on the photo above to view a larger copy.
May 2014:
Temperance Distilling
Bedford Now May 28, 2015: Temperance Distillery wins top award at state festival
Bedford Now May 9, 2014:
Bedford Firm Earns Honors Mixing Alcoholic Products
Click here to view the Temperance Distilling Company web site.
Click here to view the Temperance Distilling Company Facebook page.
Additional web sites relating to the Temperance Distilling Company:
Drink Michigan Temperance Distilling Company
Newspaper articles relating to the alcohol being sold in Temperance, Michigan:
Toledo Blade September 16, 1973: “Temperance to lose Temperance; Beer, Wine to be Sold Despite Some Protest”
April 2013:
Click here to read the article that appeared in the Toledo Blade on April 8, 2013 "Barbering exhibit rich with history; Lambertville historian offers window to past."
The photo at the left was taken of the Barber Shop display that is currently featured at the Bedford Library on Jackman Road until the end of the month. Stop by today to see it!
Dr. Thomas Keane: Local Doctor (his office was located on Lewis Avenue near the corner of Temperance Road), and Community Leader
This was the news that shocked and saddened all of us 50 years ago! Click here to read the newspaper article that appeared in the Toledo Blade on April 7, 1963.
In February 1959 the Keane Family was honored by being named "Family Of The Year" at a National Convention. Click on the newspapers listed below to read the articles covering this honor.
The Monroe Evening News: Dr and Mrs Keane, 13 Children Are Honored at National Convention.
The Toledo Blade: Temperance Family is Honored
Detroit Free Press: Keanes (All 15) Are Organized
November 2012:
Phil Crary: Owner of Crary Drug Store on Lewis Ave & Community Leader
Toledo Blade November 13, 2012: Click here to read the obituary for Phil Crary
Click here to read the feature article concerning Phil Crary that appeared in the Toledo Blade on November 15, 2012
Early days of Crary Drug & Francis Foods - 1950's
Paul Whitman: Owner of Whitman Ford & Community Leader
June 10, 2012: Click here to read the obituary for Paul Whitman
Photo of the Whitman Ford car dealership grand opening March 4, 1950 (Currently the location of the Lions Den Resale Shop on Lewis Avenue.)
Click here to read about the history of Whitman Ford and the Whitman Family starting on page 53 of the book written by Don Adams.
Ted Shinkle: Owner of Shinkle's Greenhouse, Bedford School Board Member and Community Leader
Ted Shinkle (Shinkle's Greenhouse)
Click here to read a copy of the obituary for Ted Shinkle (June 20, 2009).
Paul Swy: Founder of MTS Seating, Bedford School Board Member and Community Leader
Paul Swy (MTS) Click here for the link to MTS Seating web site.
Click here to read a copy of the obituary for Paul Swy (October 31, 2007)
Dr. Daniel Soda: Chiropractor and Community Leader
Dr. Daniel Soda: Chiropractor and Community Leader
Click here to read a copy of the obituary for Dr. Soda that appeared in the Toledo Blade on May 18, 2004.
Ray Francis Owner of Francis Foods (Currently Foodtown on Lewis Ave in downtown Temperance)
Ray Francis (Francis Foods)
Click here to read the obituary for Ray Francis in the Toledo Blade September 18, 2002
Charles Scheltema Sr. Bedford Public School Superintendent
Click here to read the obituary for Charles Scheltema Sr. that was published in the Monroe Evening News January 28, 1993
Click here to read the obituary for Charles Scheltema Sr. that was published in the Toledo Blade January 28, 1993
Martin Hammerstein: Community Leader and owner of Hammerstein Hardware on Lewis Avenue in downtown Temperance
Click here to read the obituary for Martin Hammerstein that appeared in the Monroe Evening News on April 21, 1993
Bill Fielding Bedford Township Supervisor (1945-57)
(Photo from book "Images of America Bedford Township" by Trudy Urbani)
Bill Fielding Bedford Township Supervisor (1945-57) Died August 29, 1990 (age 99)
Leo Bofia: Owner of Bofia's Sunoco Station on Lewis Ave & Temperance Road, Bedford Township Fire Chief and Community Leader
(Photo from book "Images of America Bedford Township" by Trudy Urbani)
Reid Stout: Inventor of School Bus Safety Mirror
(Photo from book "Images of America Bedford Township" by Trudy Urbani)
Click here to read the obit for Reid Stout in the Toledo Blade June 2, 1986
Click here to view more information concerning Reid Stout and the school bus safety mirror. Including the dedication of the historical marker at Ole Schoolhouse Commons to honor Reid Stout.
Click here to view a video of the dedication of the historical marker at Ole Schoolhouse Commons to honor Reid Stout, a Bedford educator who invented the school bus safety mirror.
(Photo from book "Images of America Bedford Township" by Trudy Urbani)
Click here to read the obit for Henry William Hachman from the Monroe Evening News November 3, 1974
Monroe News June 18, 2011: Hachman store owner feted for longevity
Click here to read the announcement that Hachman Hardware and Feed will be closing this summer (2015)
This photo is from a book written by local historian Don Adams.
Click here to read about the history of Bedford Township in the book written by Don Adams " Bedford Township Monroe County Michigan Then & Now" (280 pages)
Norm Crary: Founder of Crary Drug Store
Click here to read the obituary that appeared in the Toledo Blade on March 5, 1970 for Norm Crary
Early days of Crary Drug & Francis Foods - 1950's
LeRoy "Bud" Parmelee 1925 Lambertville High School Grad and Professional Baseball Player
(Photo from book "Images of America Bedford Township" by Trudy Urbani)
Click here to read more information concerning Lambertville High School grad LeRoy “Bud” Parmelee.
Click here to view the minor and major league career stats for Bud Parmelee.
Click here to read an article "Some Called Him Tarzan" concerning some more stories abut Bud Parmelee.
Please Note: If anyone has photos, newspaper articles or obituary information for the following individuals, please contact me so that I may add the information.
Taylor Farnham: May 22, 1952
Click on the graphic to view the book by local historian Don Adams "Bedford Township Monroe County Michigan Then & Now" (280 pages). This is a great collection of history and photographs of Bedford Township. Mr. Adams has given me permission to publish his book on this web site with the hope that others will add to his collection and will take an interest in our Bedford Township history. In addition he hopes that residents will join as members of the Historical Society of Bedford Township. If you have questions concerning the history of Bedford Township or would would like info concerning the Historical Society, please contact Mr. Adams at 734-847-8179.
Click on the graphic to read a few large sections of Trudy Urbani's book which is available for preview, including schools and churches, as well as some early history of Bedford Township.
History of Current Structures in Bedford Township
Monroe County Library- Bedford Branch
Click on the graphic to the left to read the history of the Monroe County Library - Bedford Branch
The current building construction renovation was approved in 2002. The board members that approved the renovation were:
Supervisor: LaMar Fredrick
Clerk: Robert Schockman
Treasurer: Sherri Meyer
Trustees: Med Barr, Joyce Hagen, Arnold Jennings and Dennis Steinman
The current building renovation was completed and opened in August of 2005. The board members when it opened were:
Supervisor: Walt Wilburn
Clerk: Robert Schockman
Treasurer: Sherri Meyer
Trustees: Larry O'Dell, Paul Francis, Dennis Steinman and Rick Steiner
Click here to read additional information concerning the history of the Bedford Branch Library in books written by our local historians.
Bedford Township Government Center (Bedford Township Hall)
Click here to read information concerning the history of the Bedford Township Hall in books written by our local historians.
The current building contruction was approved in 2006 and was completed and opened in September of 2007. The board members at that time were:
Supervisor: Walt Wilburn
Clerk: Robert Schockman
Treasurer: Sherri Meyer
Trustees: Larry O'Dell, Paul Francis, Dennis Steinman and Rick Steiner
Listed below are newspaper articles explaining how the Township paid for the construction of the new $2.9 Million Township Hall in 2006-2007:
Toledo Blade September 20, 2006 "Toledo Builder wins contract for a Municipal Hall"
Toledo Blade September 12, 2007 "Bedford Township's $2.9 Million Government Center To Open Soon"
Other useful links for searching for information concerning Bedford Township people and landmarks:
Local History Room located in the Bedford Branch of the Monroe County Library System. This is a wonderful resource for Bedford Township History! A collection of local materials such as family histories, abstracts, photographs, school yearbooks, Genealogical Society of Monroe County publications (birth, death, marriage and census records), Microfilm of census, church records and newspapers, database of obituaries from the late 1800's. Maps, Monroe County Directories, telephone cross indexes for Monroe and Lenawee County. A devoted group of volunteers have helped organize this collection. Several volunteers are willing to meet you at the Local History Room, give you a tour of what is available and assist you with any questions that you may have concerning Bedford Township History. Contact the library (734-847-6747) for further information on arranging a time to meet with one of the volunteers, opportunities to volunteer, or for donations to the collection.
Toledo Blade Archives (2000 to present)
Archive search for newspapers in the United States
Toledo Blade Obituary Search Index
Bedford Public Schools History:
1. Click here to view the history of Bedford Public Schools.
The source of this information is from a book by Don Adams “Bedford Township Monroe County, Michigan Then and Now” published in 2003. This book is a great source for the history of Bedford Township. Mr. Adams has given me permission to publish the information concerning Bedford Public Schools on this web site. He has also published two other books concerning Bedford Public Schools: “A Bedford Sampler, Lambertville School – A history of School District #4” published in 2004. “Temperance School – A history of School District #2” published in 2004. If you would like to purchase a copy of his books you may contact him at 734-847-8179.
2. Click here to view photos of Bedford Public School buildings from the past.
The source for these photos is from a book by Trudy Urbani “Images of America Bedford Township” published in 2005. This book is also a great source for the history of Bedford Township. Mrs. Urbani has given me permission to publish the information and photos concerning the school buildings on this web site. If you would like to purchase a copy of this book it is available on Amazon. Here is the direct link for more info: http://www.amazon.com/Bedford-Township-MI-Images-America/dp/0738534218
Click on the photo at the left to view "Memories From the Past" Photos, Video & Newspaper Articles" concerning Bedford High School
Photos of Bedford Public School Buildings:
Bedford High School campus on Douglas Road (Circa 1960's)
3-B Baseball History: Bedford Boys Baseball (Currently Bedford's Best Baseball)
Please note: I am looking for old programs, newspaper articles, photos and stories concerning the 3B Baseball Program. Please send any information that you would like to submit to Gene Stock. You can either e-mail me the info or I would be happy to make arrangements to pick up the information, copy it and return it to you.
Click on the graphic to view the 1958 3-B Handbook which includes the early history of 3-B Baseball
1959: Click here to view items from 1959.
1965: Click here to read the newspaper article that appeared in the Monroe Evening News on June 19, 1965 concerning the retirement of the founder of 3-B Baseball Bud Scherer
1966: Click here to view the 1966 financial statement for 3-B Baseball
Click on the graphic to view the 1966 3-B Baseball end of season summary (8 pages).
Click on the graphic to view the 1968 3-B program (25 pages) which includes a complete summary of the 1968 season.
1970: View the photo that appeared in the Bedford Courier April 7, 1970 concerning the 3-B Baseball leadership.
1972: Click on the graphic to view the 1972 3-B Souvenir Program (Compliments of former 3-B player and coach Dave Elsten)
1982: Read the August 31, 1982 Toledo Blade article concerning the 25th anniversary of 3-B Baseball.
1984: View the 3-B Constitution & By-Laws as adopted in 1984
1986: View info from 1986
1991: Click on the graphic to view the 1991 3-B Baseball program (23 pages)
1993: Click on the graphic to view the 1993 3-B Baseball program (25 pages)
2007:
View 2007 Constitution and By-laws
2012:
Toledo Blade February 8, 2012: 3B Baseball still a grand slam;Volunteers keep tradition alive
Monroe Evening News: Letter to Editor "Bedford 3B a gem in the community"
2013:
View the 2013 3B Booklet (28 pages)
Bedford Now September 6, 2013: Coach Rakich Pursues Success
Click on the graphic for the current 3-B Baseball web site.
Click on the graphic to view the web page "Images in Time" from the Toledo Public Library. This is a collection of historical photographs of Toledo and Northwest Ohio.
Click on the photo at the left to view miscellaneous photos of Toledo landmarks.
Click on the photo at the left to view photos and the history of Tiedtke's
Toledo History Box September 9, 2013: The closing of Raceway Park. Explains the history of Raceway Park and contains many additional links to some great information concerning Raceway Park and its owners.
Horseracing.com: Raceway Park in Toledo, Ohio (Bio concerning Raceway Park)
Click here to view additional photos of Toledo Raceway Park.
Click here to view additional info concerning Raceway Park that is listed on Stadiums USA. StadiumsUSA.com is the largest sports venue web site ever created. Click here to join StadiumsUSA.com. It is free to register for access to the web site. The site gives information on over 1,800 different sports venues of all types. You can check out your favorite stadium. Buy tickets for an upcoming event. Here are some of their additional features: Fan Reviews – Give us your review of a recent sports venue visit. Tell us about your fan experience. Stadium Photos – Upload pictures from a memorable occasion at a stadium in the United States, Puerto Rico or Canada. We love fan photos.
Stadium Of The Year – Vote for your favorite sports venue in 8 categories: MLB, NBA, NFL, Minor League Baseball, College Football, College Basketball, NHL, NASCAR
Photo of the Toledo Raceway Park site taken by Michelle Bork in May 2015.
Current media coverage concerning the closing and demolition of Raceway Park:
13abc Toledo March 24, 2015: Raceway Park nearing the finish line
Toledo Free Press January 16, 2015: Investors Pursuing Sports Complex at Raceway Park
NBC24 Toledo July 1, 2014: North Toledo just got a little quieter as Raceway Park closes
Toledo Blade September 9, 2013: After nearly 50 years of harness racing, Raceway Park's run is over; Final races set for today at Toledo’s storied track
Listed below are useful links to web sites concerning the history and photos of Toledo, Ohio
Toledo History Box: The web master of this site states “Toledo History Box is all about the history, personal recollections, observations, and just plain goofiness concerning Toledo Ohio.”
Toledo, Ohio Memories- In Pictures : A collection of photos of the major landmarks of Toledo, Ohio
Toledo's Attic: Toledo's and Northwest Ohio's virtual museum with a focus on the region's commercial, industrial, and social history from the late 19th through the late 20th centuries.
What Was There?: A collection of photos and where the landmarks are (were) located on a map of the Toledo area. You can add your own photos if you like.
Images in Time: A collection of historical photographs from the Toledo Public Library of Toledo and Northwest Ohio.
Buckeye Beer Toledo Ohio: History of the Buckeye Brewery
Building Jeeps at the Parkway Plant: Photos and history of the Toledo Jeep Plant
Miracle Mile Shopping Center:
Click here to view old Store Photos
Click here to view Aerial Photos of the shopping center.
Newspaper articles concerning Miracle Mile Shopping Center:
Toledo Blade January 25, 1958: $600,000 Fire Razes Store At Shopping Center;Grants Destroyed, 4 shops damaged at Miracle Mile. Click on the link below to read the story:
Toledo Blade December 11, 1969: Fire, Smoke Damages Seven Businesses:Flames confined to appliance store at Miracle Mile. Click on the link below to read the story:
Photos and History of Drive-In Theaters located in Toledo, Ohio:
Franklin Park
Jesse James
Miracle Mile
Telegraph
Maumee
Old Airports and Airfields in Toledo, Ohio: The history of old airports and airfields in the Toledo area.
Toledo Blade Archives (2000 to present) You can also do a "Google" search for any newspaper article for any other year by just going to "Google" and enter the info.
Miscellaneous Info Concerning Bedford Township and the Surrounding Area:
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church & School:
October 3, 1957 - The new mission church was officially established. On October 13, 1957 the first Mass was said at the Temperance Rotary Hall located at Carr Park.
Click here to see photos of the early days of OLMC that are tagged with names on a Facebook page.
August 17, 1958 - groundbreaking for the new church was held.
Above are photos taken in 1968-69 of the OLMC Catholic School classes. Click here to see photos of the early days of OLMC Catholic School that are tagged with names on a Facebook page.
St. Joseph Catholic Church and School, Erie Michigan
Click on the logo at the left and like us on Facebook . Additional photos and information is posted on the Facebook Page.
Click on the graphic to view the book by local historian Don Adams "Bedford Township Monroe County Michigan Then & Now" (280 pages). This is a great collection of history and photographs of Bedford Township. Mr. Adams has given me permission to publish his book on this web site with the hope that others will add to his collection and will take an interest in our Bedford Township history. In addition he hopes that residents will join as members of the Historical Society of Bedford Township. If you have questions concerning the history of Bedford Township or would would like info concerning the Historical Society, please contact Mr. Adams at 734-847-8179.
Click on the graphic to read a few large sections of Trudy Urbani's book which is available for preview, including schools and churches, as well as some early history of Bedford Township.
Green Hills Subdivision Info.
The source for these photos is from a book by Trudy Urbani “Images of America Bedford Township” published in 2005. This book is also a great source for the history of Bedford Township. Mrs. Urbani has given me permission to publish the information and photos concerning the school buildings on this web site. If you would like to purchase a copy of this book it is available on Amazon. Here is the direct link for more info: http://www.amazon.com/Bedford-Township-MI-Images-America/dp/0738534218
