Help? History of this location?

Have you tried looking it up in the Lucas County Areis system?

This church is at 2032 Canton Avenue. It was the home of (Jewish) Congregation Anshe Sfard in the mid-1910s and the most recent occupant was Ebeneezer Baptist 1988-98.

I tried Aries, but it turned up nothing. I must be doing something wrong :/

According to AREIS, it is owned by BALDWIN RICHARD J & BARBARA A. It was transferred to them from the City of Toledo on July 2, 1998 at no cost. It shows that the first half taxes have not yet been paid. It is valued at $54,800.

Prior sales: Ebenezer Baptist Church bought it May 4, 1988 and it was transferred to the City of Toledo on July 2, 1998 - no cost.

Barbara Baldwin is also listed as the owner of the properties to the north of the church - 2054, 2052, 2046 and 2040 Canton.

There was a Toledo Municipal Court case filed against them on Feb 9, 2012 by the City of Toledo Building Inspection to recover $375 in costs. It was dismissed with prejudice in April. It doesn't say what the money was for, but these kinds of cases are often either fines imposed or charges for mowing. It lists their address as 2056 Canton, but a search on that address in AREIS shows nothing.

Hope this helps.

Thanks Maggie!

Does anyone have more of the 'human history' - personal accounts? Formerly attended? Had family who went? Any chance of there being old pictures of this place when it was still nice?

The Toldo Library has some old photos of it: http://images2.toledolibrary.org/getdcdata.asp?typesearch=keyword&key=Ebenezer+Baptist+Church&B1=Search&how=cp

I went to a wedding there about 20 years ago (I know that doesn't help but figured my social life was paramount to meaningful discussions here LOLOL !)

I think it's great that you are doing a blog about the existing blight in this crumbling city of ours; however, if you plan on doing this in hopes of accomplishing something bigger, I would think there would be a sense of pride in doing some historical research on your own. Heck, even if you aren't looking to do something, "bigger," I would think it would be more fun to investigate on your own and come back on here and educate the rest of us. I would find it highly interesting and entertaining. Perhaps going to the library downtown and looking in their "Local History" section (Yes, it exists) might provide more in the way of what you are looking for. OR...come on a Toledo Talk and ask. It's easier that way.

Just think, you could even interview locals who know more about the history of Toledo. There are even local history books listed at Barnes and Noble. A little elbow grease will more than likely get you noticed.

I think asking on Toledo Talk is a form of research. And who cares how she does it?

You're right...in essence, she is interviewing the rest of us on the history of Toledo. OhioKimono, I apologize if I came across sounding crass in my previous posts. After re-reading them, I can see where it sounds like I'm an ass. Again, I apologize. I think what you are doing is fantastic and will quite possibly lead you on to bigger and better things. I think I recall a past post where you were wanting to explore your options in doing your art as a form of supplemental income. I believe you can do it.

I am not a native of Toledo. I do not have a history here. I have no living family from this city who would be a resource.

Toledo Talk fills provides me with a means to connect to actual people for personal stories, perspective and insight that no record digging can do.

That and I really enjoy the interaction and sharing this with others. The social element is what makes this fun - not a cold paper trail.

I love that old church. The pictures from the library are interesting, and it shows up in the distance in several old post cards I have collected. I always thought it would make a neat concert venue like St. Andrews Hall in Detroit.

It was pretty run down inside but had lots of that old style character - I liked it!