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Who's from Toledo?

Seems to be a bit of disagreement here about who can call themselves a Toledoian and who can't. Do you have to have to live in Municipal Toledo, or will one of the outlining suburbs count (Sylvania, Rossford, Ottawa Hills, Waterville, Oregon, Etc)? What if you live in one of those suburbs and work in Toledo, or your parent does, or you were born in suburb and moved to Toledo? Or what if you born in Toledo and moved to South Carolina but your family still lives here? Or if you live in Lucky, Ohio but you always hang out in Toledo. Or what if you just own a lot of Mud Hens merchandise?

Sorry to go on like that. It just seems to me that a lot of people on this board have been coming off as Toledoer-than-thou as of late. However, it seems to me, making a clear cut definition of who is a Toledoian is tougher than it sounds.

My personal definition is anyone who thinks of themselves as a Toledoian can be a part of the club. Other ideas?

created by hank on Jan 11, 2011 at 05:38:06 pm     History     Comments: 60

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Comments ... #

Born in Toledo, now in the suburbs. Makes me a half-breed ?

posted by Hoops on Jan 11, 2011 at 05:41:13 pm     #  

While my political leaning differs from many on this forum, I follow it for news and views for the entire "metro" area. I seldom contribute but review it daily, even when out of town on wi-fi. I especially like entries about restaurants. It's better than getting one Blade employee's opinion. I even value comments about WSPD.

posted by Trilby on Jan 11, 2011 at 05:47:30 pm     #  

Out of state. But ironically out of everyone I know here, only my gf is from Toledo everyone else is from Pa, NY, WV, NC or NJ.

Seems like Toledo has a lot of fellow immigrants from other states.

posted by INeedCoffee on Jan 11, 2011 at 06:14:42 pm     #  

My parents are from Toledo - I was born in Georgia and lived all over as a military brat. I moved to Toledo to be with my husband. We live in the burbs due to the state of the school systems. My hubby is from Chicago. We live in Toledo, we like Toledo, we support Toledo, we call ourselves Toledoians :)

posted by OhioKimono on Jan 11, 2011 at 06:36:22 pm     #  

Born and raised and I love it. I tried moving away once and it only made me realize just how much.

posted by Ryan on Jan 11, 2011 at 06:44:48 pm     #  

I grew up in eastern Ohio. Lived in central Ohio. Moved to the Great Black Swamp to be closer to Lake Erie. I lived in Perrysburg Township and then Rossford for several years before moving into Toledo. Since I type or write Toledo, Ohio as my address, I think it's OK for me to say I'm from Toledo. And I since I endured one term of mayor Carty, I think I qualify as a battle-hardened Toledoan.

When I lived in an outlying community like Rossford and a metro area resident asked where I lived, I said Rossford. But when I was well away from this region and someone asked where I was from, I said Toledo because I figured the person would have heard of Toledo and had some idea where Toledo was located compared to Rossford, which would need further explanation.

posted by jr on Jan 11, 2011 at 07:02:42 pm     #  

born in bg, raised in toledo. never leaving

posted by upso on Jan 11, 2011 at 07:17:31 pm     #  

Born and raised Toledoan, but looking forward to my great escape...which will be as far away from T-town as possible.

But I think anyone who has connection enough with this place to be posting here should be welcomed. Don't think anyone will argue that Toledo could sure use a fan club.

posted by dralionagogo on Jan 11, 2011 at 08:28:59 pm     #  

I was born, raised and will probably die here in Toledo. Even if I hit the lottery, I don't think I would leave here. I am proud how a lot of Toledoans come out to help when there is a need. Clothing drives, Charities and so forth. There is a great pride among us.

posted by ToledoLatina on Jan 11, 2011 at 08:47:51 pm     #  

Born and raised in Pgh, Pa, lived up and down east coast while in Navy, been living in Toledo for past 10 years. Work in Toledo, run hockey league in Toledo. Proud to say I'm all for Positive Toledo. Doesn't mean it's perfect. It has problems. But nothing that can't be fixed with sacrifice, hard choices, involvement and working together.

posted by hockeyfan on Jan 11, 2011 at 09:02:11 pm     #  

Born in Nashville, but lived in Point Place since I was 5...While I'm proud to be from Toledo, I'm also proud to tell people about Point Place. PP is more of a lifestyle than a section of town with its emphasis on the water and it's such a unique place - affordable waterfront property is virtually non-existent in most other places in the nation. I love living on the shores of Maumee Bay!

As for when you can call yourself a Toledoan? When you believe you are one - no matter what anyone else may say. :)

posted by MaggieThurber on Jan 11, 2011 at 09:09:09 pm     #   1 person liked this

Born and lived til 2 in the North End (Lagrange and Moore), lived in the Mayfair area till 3rd grade (Waybridge), lived in the OWE (Robinwood and Glenwood, 2300 block) till married, moved to the East Side and felt right at home immediately. Raised my kids, then continued to live, in the Raymer district from 76-2010 (Clyde off Dearborn), then moved to Lake Twp and lovin it. I'm from Toledo, I'll always be a Toledoan, nothing else I can be. Too many memories, too much history, been here too long to really be from anywhere else at this point, but it's nice to finally be in the 'country', the only thing I can't get in Toledo. :)

posted by nana on Jan 11, 2011 at 09:23:00 pm     #  

I am glad I grew up in "the sticks".

posted by dino on Jan 11, 2011 at 10:17:01 pm     #   1 person liked this

I'm not from Toledo, but my husband grew up in Point Place. We currently live in Sylvania.

I like the Toledo area, and hope to remain here. Even though I'm probably not a "Toledoan" in the strict sense of the word, I still feel a strong connection to the area.

posted by mom2 on Jan 11, 2011 at 10:18:50 pm     #  

I grew up on a farm in Western Lucas County. I went to UT for my college education. Moved to South Toledo when I got out on my own.
We now live Point Place. Maggie is right - it is VERY much a Lifestyle up here. I love living here by the Lake and Rivers.
I couldn't imagine being 'landlocked' in another part of the country.

What makes a Toledoan? I think you have to have lived here claim that one.

posted by SJD on Jan 11, 2011 at 10:29:47 pm     #  

I've lived in the following zip codes: 43605, 43623, 43616, 43606, 43607, 43613, 43612, and 43617. I've had business addresses in 43624 (doesn't even exist anymore) and 43604. I think I may qualify.

posted by JohnnyMac on Jan 11, 2011 at 10:46:10 pm     #  

Lived in "Old Toe" (anagram for Toledo)- 42 years since birth. 41 years as a West Sider. The closest I ever came to living outside T Town was a 1 year hiatus on the South Side in an apartment.

posted by Danneskjold on Jan 12, 2011 at 02:35:48 am     #  

LIVE in Toledo, Strong for Toledo. Sorry.. u burb's people.. Doesn't count!

posted by jim30529 on Jan 12, 2011 at 02:50:31 am     #  

Over 20 years in Toledo makes me a Toledoan, in my book. I always talked about leaving, but these days I would prefer not to move if I can avoid it.

posted by historymike on Jan 12, 2011 at 07:19:34 am     #  

Born in Western PA. but moved to Toledo when I was 4, after my dad got transferred for his job. Pretty much grew up living in The Point. No Plans to move right now, but no above looking out of town if the $$$ are right.

posted by drunkenwildmage on Jan 12, 2011 at 08:50:12 am     #  

Grew up in Sylvania, live in Perrysburg, did a stint in Northern California and one in Montana, have three degrees from UT and work in Toledo and Sylvania. When asked where I’m from while traveling I say Toledo, Ohio. (I’ve often heard people mistake Ohio for Iowa; something about four letter states that begin and end with vowels I guess, or they think Ohio is where potatoes come from!) I too love it here.
So, for those that say suburbanites don’t count, on behalf of my family’s contributions to tax coffers, tuition, businesses and charities, etc. you’re welcome.

posted by Offshore on Jan 12, 2011 at 09:23:15 am     #  

Grew up in Toledo and now live in a small town east of Toledo. (I still tell people I'm from Toledo.)

posted by corky on Jan 12, 2011 at 09:32:48 am     #  

Born in Oregon, OH, moved across the river to the Polish Village when I was 3 to the same street where my dad grew up. In the mid-70s, moved to West Toledo, where I've lived ever since except for a year in Virginia after college.

Like Ryan, I found I missed Toledo too much. And you just can't run down to Stanley's for kielbasa when you live far away.

posted by Anniecski on Jan 12, 2011 at 09:54:40 am     #  

Born and raised in Toledo - the old Reynolds Corners area. (I knew Stanley Reynolds). Moved to Holland nearly 40 yrs ago. If I have to explain geographically where I live I always say just outside of Toledo. I still think of Toledo as "home". I do care about it's future, even though I don't directly suffer from it foibles. My biggest concerns about Toledo are the schools and the lack of crime enforcement.

posted by holland on Jan 12, 2011 at 10:04:30 am     #  

Born and raised in Toledo, went to UT. Vacations and business travel has allowed me to travel to 44 states and I’ve been to 10 countries on 3 continents and I've had lots of opportunity to move out of Toledo, but with my friends and family here and the Lake Erie a short drive away, my wife and I wanted to raise our family here even if we could make more money elsewhere.

As for Stanley's kielbasa – I wish I liked it, I really do, I’ve keep on trying it, but I like the kielbasa from K&J better…there I said it. My grandmother was born in Poland and is probably rolling over in her grave.

posted by SensorG on Jan 12, 2011 at 10:08:53 am     #   1 person liked this

I grew up in the South end of Toledo - Glendale/Eastgate area. Moved to Maumee after I got married. When I am away I always introduce myself as beign from Toledo. (With pride I might add)

posted by Molsonator on Jan 12, 2011 at 10:29:14 am     #  

Born in Toledo Hospital, 1957. Lived up until my early 20's in the Dorr & Holland-Sylvania area. Lived for a year or two on Summit street in Sylvania right after getting married. Moved back to the Dorr-Richards area for 16 years, and finally to West Toledo around 1997. Still here.

posted by JeepMaker on Jan 12, 2011 at 11:15:52 am     #  

Born in the old Flower Hospital, reared in same area as Molsonater (Glendale/Eastgate). School at Trinity Lutheran, St. John's Jesuit, and University of Toledo. Both parents born & raised here. One set of grandparents from here although moved to Haskins after they got married so Grandma could teach at Haskins School (which at the time was both grade school and high school). Grandpa worked in the auto plants in Toledo up until 6 months before he died. Other set of grandparents came from Germany, then directly from Ellis Island to Toledo because that's where their sponsor lived.

Have lived in some beautiful spots--Hawaii, Miami--and not-so-beautiful (St. Louis--although loved the baseball there!). Have travelled all over the world (Australia, most nations in Europe, etc.). Everybody in my family has stayed in the Toledo area. We are all "Toledoans" and hope this once-great city can come back to some level of former glory.

posted by oldhometown on Jan 12, 2011 at 11:59:39 am     #  

oldhometown - what street? Eastwick was my street. I loved when the book Witches of Eastwick came out. Bought it for my Mom right away. Ha!

posted by Molsonator on Jan 12, 2011 at 12:02:45 pm     #  

Cass Rd. was my street. When they put up the medical building on Eastgate, I spent many hours playing amongst the construction on weekends (when the workers weren't there). Most of the tools were still plugged in and operable! Didn't lose any digits or limbs, nor did I impale myself--yeah, I don't understand how either. Someday, if they pull up the carpets and flooring, alien civilizations will find many dirt bike skidmarks on the base cement!

My father tried Rudy's Hot Dogs once. Puked his guts out. We never ate there again, although I've had a few over the years and have been fine. Could have been my youthful immunity. We were regulars at the Olive Garden when that opened in the 80's.

Used to pedal my bike up Glendale to go to Kroger for my mom. Remember when TJ Maxx was in the far corner (a terrible retail location, looking back) and the Ground Round made a go of it where the South End Grille is now.

It was a good neighborhood to grow up in. Safe. Good brick houses with room for a family, just down the street from a major retail area that no longer exists (Southwyck).

posted by oldhometown on Jan 12, 2011 at 12:33:18 pm     #  

The Rutherfords use to live on cass before they moved to Eastwick. Did you know them?

posted by Molsonator on Jan 12, 2011 at 12:51:49 pm     #  

We may have, although honestly a number of the neighbors names from 30 years ago have faded in my memory.

posted by oldhometown on Jan 12, 2011 at 12:59:51 pm     #  

My biggest concerns about Toledo are the schools and the lack of crime enforcement.

Um, you meant law enforcement, right, Holland?

:-)

posted by Anniecski on Jan 12, 2011 at 01:12:24 pm     #  

Born in Toledo Hospital. Will always consider myself a Toledoan. Grew up in the South End near the Airport/South criss cross. Spent a lot of time in the Harvard area as well growing up. Moved to Maumee where parents still live. Lived on Sherbrook between Monroe and Berdan in college.

Went to OLPH, St. John's, and UT. Received my degree from EMU, I still wish it had the UT logo on it though. May go back and get one from them one day.

I still vote in NW Ohio. Currently live North of Palm Springs. Have lived in Virginia and NC. Plan to retire to MN. Every time I miss Toledo I go visit my parents. After two weeks I remember why I left, the people. I still love the city though.

Currently I am the farthest away from Toledo I've ever been. Almost complete opposite of the globe.

posted by MikeyA on Jan 12, 2011 at 01:51:19 pm     #  

I was born in Toledo Hospital. The old homestead is in Sylvania Township.

posted by madjack on Jan 12, 2011 at 06:10:33 pm     #  

Historymike, I'm with you. I think about leaving but don't want to deal with packing. Born in Ann Arbor, grew up by Start High School. I will always consider myself a Toledoan even if I'm not a proud Toledoan. I have mixed feelings about leaving but when you look at it, Toledo is very affordable, easy to get around and offers enough here to do, if you look for it. It's also smack dab in the middle of Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Columbus...I may be compelled to leave if the job market warrants it...or I may be compelled to stay because I'm too lazy to leave.

posted by inga on Jan 12, 2011 at 06:58:06 pm     #  

Parents from Toledo. I was born at Toledo Hospital. Now live in Sylvania Township. Work in Toledo. Spend life in Toledo.

posted by joelwashing on Jan 12, 2011 at 07:36:36 pm     #   1 person liked this

Born in Fremont,moved to Toledo when I was 6. Shoreland-Whitmer-UT-Army-Maryland.In my heart forever a Toledoan.Where else is eating considered a hobby?

posted by toledoinmd on Jan 12, 2011 at 08:36:19 pm     #  

I've lived in Toledo all but two years of my life. I like to get away a lot, but Toledo is always home.

posted by renegade on Jan 13, 2011 at 12:33:24 am     #  

I moved here from the other side of the globe (overseas work assignment). Before that, I had done some research on several cities comparable to Toledo, and Toledo was the winner. A couple of things that influenced my decision: relatively light traffic, so commuting does not eat up a major part of my daily existence; and a low cost of living, which makes it possible for me to have much better vacations and trips elsewhere when I feel like it. Toledo boys must be great, too: I'm not the only girl who met one and got married here!

posted by viola on Jan 13, 2011 at 04:00:32 pm     #  

Just live here. Born and raised in Michigan. Lived in California and Wisconsin for periods. Can't wait to leave.

posted by dhr on Jan 13, 2011 at 09:05:29 pm     #  

Finally. Something both of us can agree on.

posted by madjack on Jan 13, 2011 at 11:04:24 pm     #   1 person liked this

Have lived here since 2004. Grew up within 60 miles of Toledo most of my life.

Bought a house in South Toledo in August 2009.

If you live in the burbs, I still consider you a Toledoan.

posted by slowsol on Jan 13, 2011 at 11:40:54 pm     #  

From Wickliffe. Went to BG. Lived here since '98. I think i'm a Toledoan by now.

posted by jdmsbyrd on Jan 14, 2011 at 12:12:45 am     #  

Born in Mercy hospital lived in Point Place till I was 6, moved 200 feet across the border and basically did everything in Toledo except school and 8 years in the Army. I follow what goes on in Toledo because I care how the city does. I dont pay the taxes because I dont work or live there, so I guess I'm a transplant from there.

posted by Linecrosser on Jan 14, 2011 at 01:35:05 pm     #  

I haven't lived out of 43613 since I was four years old, that makes it 42 years by my count.

posted by tlm0000 on Jan 14, 2011 at 02:41:14 pm     #  

Leave this toilet to lowlives like madjack!

posted by dhr on Jan 14, 2011 at 09:16:09 pm     #  

Born and raised in Oregon, moved to east Toledo 6 years ago. So I guess now I'm a Toledoan.

posted by hunkytownsausage on Jan 14, 2011 at 09:56:20 pm     #   1 person liked this

I hope Mayor Bell was offended that I referred to his city as a toilet.

posted by dhr on Jan 15, 2011 at 10:55:29 am     #  

dhr, I just hope that you will shut up with your stupid, obnoxious comments. Unfortunately we all know that won't happen. Sorry for feeding the troll eveyone

posted by hunkytownsausage on Jan 15, 2011 at 04:25:02 pm     #  

I was born and raised in Toledo.I have lived here in Toledo all of my life except when I was in the Air Force for six years.I also have been a south end resident most of those years.I now live in the Crossgates area of the city.

posted by buckeye278 on Jan 15, 2011 at 04:45:32 pm     #  

Toledo is obviously full of babies.

posted by dhr on Jan 16, 2011 at 11:19:50 am     #  

Yes, we're babies because we don't want to hear idiotic, non-sensical rambling from you. Now where's my pacifier...

posted by hunkytownsausage on Jan 16, 2011 at 01:00:39 pm     #  

I think it has more to do with the whining about it and the inability to ignore it, but whatever floats your boat, pal.

I am sorry you don't understand simple statements, but that makes you a typical Toledo resident!

posted by dhr on Jan 16, 2011 at 07:25:15 pm     #  

I'm more confused why you have decided to bring your bullshit to this particular thread. You have contributed nothing to this thread other than to call Toledo a toilet and then make a huge generalization about me and the rest of Toledo residents.

Are you from Toledo I guess is my first question? If you're going to clog up this thread with your bullshit, we might as well know if you're even a Toledoan. Secondly, what is your purpose for consistently making derogatory comments on this message board? Is it just to piss off everyone else here? It must suck to live a life full of hatred towards the city you may or may not live in.

I love living in Toledo and plan on living here the rest of my life. It's people like you that are contributing to the demise of this great city.

posted by hunkytownsausage on Jan 16, 2011 at 08:09:28 pm     #   1 person liked this

Toledo needs all the residents it can get to claim it as home.

posted by 6th_Floor on Jan 16, 2011 at 08:20:47 pm     #   1 person liked this

I thought I might check in and see what's new in the thread. Surprise, surprise! DHR has surfaced, much like a gas filled turd that failed the flush test.

Hey DHR? Fuck you.

posted by madjack on Jan 17, 2011 at 11:01:02 am     #   2 people liked this

I'm not originally from Toledo. I was born and raised in small town Wapakoneta...about 2hrs south of here but have lived in Toledo since 2004. We love Toledo and the people we have met have been wonderful.

posted by TammyinOhio on Jan 28, 2011 at 05:03:10 am     #  

Well, Thank You and a belated Welcome.

posted by holland on Jan 28, 2011 at 10:21:50 am     #  

I agree. Thank you and welcome. Nice to see some positivity.

posted by upso on Jan 28, 2011 at 10:43:54 am     #  

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