The Village of Mark Center in 1889 or 1890

 

"This picture dips back into the history of Mark Center for a good many years, for it was taken in either 1889 or 1890.  Mrs. Ollie Fraze, who loaned it to The Chronicle through her brother, Clyde Elder, isn't positive of the year, but this much is certain: It is one of the oldest views of the town's main street in existance.

You are 'looking south' in this picture, and the first building on the right is Hire's Store.  Next to it is the Agricultural Building where for many years, people of the community staged their various meetings and get-togethers.

Across the street from Hire's Store is the Elder Hotel operated by the Curt Elders.

Next to the Hotel is the depot, while across the railroad tracks in the distance is the saloon operated for many years by Jake Hoblantz.

Reproduction of a picture of this age, dimmed by time, is very difficult, and it is therefore impossible for the reader to distinguish the individuals who posed for the photographer.  However, some names still familiar to Mark folk are involved -

Marion Hartshorn, Al McBride, George Rice (owner of the spring wagon and mules), Clyde Elder (a little boy in a plaid waist), Ollie Elder Fraze, Glen Elder, Ida Rice, Maggie Williams Gecowets, Flo Hire, the wife and John, and Charley."

The Chronicle, Sherwood, Ohio, 2 December 1948

The History of Defiance County, 1883, noted that the village of Mark Center exists because the the railroad that moved through the area.  The town itself was platted in 1875, just about 15 years before the photo above was taken.

However, the township, itself was formed much earlier, in 1850, by the County Commissioners.  The township was to be named Kenton in honor of one of the first settlers there, Mark Kenton.  But because Ohio already had a Kenton, Mark was chosen as the name.  The town was Mark Center because it stood at approximately the center of the township.