Growing Up in Toledo Architecture Exhibit

Situated on the Western Lake Erie Basin and winding down the Maumee River, Toledo is a city that was built for its location, but sustains its culture and history. At one time, Toledo was one of the crossroads of America, being a major metropolis and rail hub between Cleveland and Chicago. And even now, growing up in Toledo means experiencing a variety of art, nature, and architecture, from Stranahan Theater and Fifth Third Field to the vibrant Metropark system, renowned public library system, and world-class art museum.

In this exhibit, we explore "Growing up in Toledo" as a way of understanding the changing life of the city and its inhabitants through its architecture. Through the selections in this exhibit, you can see how the city has grown and changed, tracing the history, for example, of educational institutions and dwellings as they are remodeled, repurposed, and replaced over time. Or, you can explore different types of structures that have been important to Toledoans as they have lived and grown in the city—for example the recreational life of the city has been served by structures to house vaudeville and early films, and even includes the rise and fall of Toledo's own amusement park. You can even see the progression of cultural attitudes that can be traced through the life cycle of institutions that changed from exclusive spaces to those that embrace the community.

Whether as a place for performing arts, education, or erudition, Toledo's amazing architecture has a lot of hidden gems that we can't wait to share with you. Explore and enjoy!

"Growing Up in Toledo" is a collaboration of the Toledo Lucas County Public Library and the Lourdes University Digital and Media Studies Program. This exhibit has been created from data generously provided by the TLCPL Local History and Genealogy Department and researched by students in the Spring 2020 ENG 353: Introduction to Digital and Media Studies class taught by Dr. Susan Shelangoskie.

Staff in the Local History and Genealogy department of the Toledo Lucas County Public Library:

  •  Ed Hill, Special Collections Librarian
  •  Kristel Schetter, Clerk III
  •  John Dewees, Supervisor Digitization Services

Student researchers and exhibit contributors from the Lourdes University Digital and Media Studies program:

  • Jason Almony
  • Maegen Anders
  • Noel Barrera
  • Chelsea Klotz
  • Lawrence McClorrine
  • Alec Thacker