Findlay Glass: Dalzell, Gilmore & Leighton Company

Posted on , updated on by patbauman

Read Pat’s earlier blogs detailing Findlay’s history here!

The Dalzell, Gilmore & Leighton Company was organized at Williamsburg, West Virginia in 1865. They were the largest and third glass company to locate in Findlay.

On April 9, 1866 the Dalzell brothers signed a contract with the Swing and Howard land syndicates to move their factory to Findlay. They were to get a four acre building site free with free gas for five years. The company agreed to build a factory costing $460,000.

The Dalzell factory was five blocks north of the Bellaire Goblet factory. May 2, 1886, construction started and the new company of Dalzell & Gilmore was formed in June 1866.

George Leighton was the designer of the rare and valuable onyx glass, which is on display in the Exhibit Center at the Hancock Historical Museum.

Local History Buff, Findlay Glass enthusiast, and guest blogger Pat Bauman continues to share her knowledge on Findlay's early history. • VisitFindlay.com

Learn more about the Dalzell, Gilmore & Leighton Company and see the Onyx Glass pieces in-person at the Hancock Historical Museum

The glass company was very successful and in 1892, reached peak production with 4,000 barrels of glassware being made in one week by the 450 people who worked there.

Want to learn more about the glass industry in Findlay and Hancock County?  See Pat’s previous blog about the Columbia Gas Company here.

This blog post was written by Visit Findlay blogger Pat Bauman.  Pat is a Findlay history buff, author, mom and grandmother.  That isn’t much, is it?  Learn more about Pat and read her other blog posts here!

Plan your Guys Trip in Findlay

Posted on , updated on by daniellewilkin

As you’re rescheduling all of last year’s missed plans don’t forget to plan your guys weekend!  We may be biased, but Findlay is the perfect place for your next guys weekend.  Check out our suggestions for where to eat, where to drink, and things to do with your friends in Findlay.

Eat

If someone is familiar with Findlay then they are sure to be familiar with our restaurants.  Findlay boasts restaurants for any taste – with authentic sushi and street tacos, to juicy burgers and steaks, to fusion flavors and mom and pop diner cooking there will be something for everyone.  Some of our favorites for a guys weekend is Mancy’s Steakhouse, Logan’s Irish Pub, Fins Seafood & Grill, The Gathering, and Stix.  See all our local restaurants here.

Drink

If drinking is an important part of your Guys Weekend then Findlay has you covered.  We are home to unique bars that all serve you a little something different.  If you’re in the mood for bourbon head to The Bourbon Affair and The Anvil.  Want to try some high end cocktails?  Head to The Bistro, and Rossilli’s.  Need a large selection of beer?  Alexandria’s and Logan’s Irish Pub has you covered.  Are margaritas a favorite?  Vivir Modern Mexican and Oler’s has you covered.  And that is just scratching the surface.  Check out all our local bars here.

For those interested in craft beer, Findlay is home to three breweries.  Findlay Brewing Company has been in business for about 10 years and opened their taproom in Downtown just a few years ago.  This large space gives you plenty of room to enjoy their local brews, as well as other craft beer from the region.  Just a couple blocks away in Downtown Findlay is Modcraft Brewing.  Modcraft brews high quality ales and while they do not have a food menu, welcomes takeout from other local restaurants to be enjoyed in the taproom.  Crafted Nanobrewery is located on the east side of Findlay and has a wide array of craft beer, all with names that will make you laugh.  Crafted does not have a food menu but does host food trucks in their parking lot regularly to enjoy in their patio area!  All three of our craft breweries are part of Northwest Ohio’s 419 Ale Trail, which is made up of over 25 local breweries.

Bonus: Try them all and enjoy a beverage as you walk in Downtown Findlay as part of our DORA program.  See what is on tap at our local bars on Untappd.

Be Merry

You can’t just eat and drink for an entire weekend (or you can, no judgement!) – there are plenty of things to do while you’re in town with the guys.  If you’re looking to get active on your trip, golf is an obvious choice.  Findlay and Hancock County is home many excellent public golf courses, offering both 9 and 18-hole options.  See all our golf courses here. 

 

If disc golf is more your style, choose from one of four disc golf courses in our community.  Rather than hit the course, hit the water!  Hancock County’s Blanchard River Water Trail was the first designated water trail in the state.  Plan to do the whole 37.6 mile trail, or just a portion.  Don’t have kayaks or canoes of your own?  Rent some on the weekends at Zonta Landing, located in Riverside Park.

Or, plan to take advantage of one of our many attractions, like Axe Ventura!  Don’t worry – you’ll be trained ahead of time before you can let the axes throw.  Our event calendar is always packed with plenty of events.  Check out car shows or Downtown cruises, festivals like Flag City BalloonFest or Oktoberfest, or enjoy live music at MCPA or at nearly every local restaurant – there is always plenty to do!

Plan to eat, drink, and have fun on your guys trip in Findlay!  Make it a complete weekend with a stay at one of our hotels.  Enjoy your weekend! 

 

Get Outdoors this Weekend

Posted on , updated on by daniellewilkin

This weekend (and every other weekend!) there are plenty of ways to enjoy the great outdoors – check out our suggestions here.

Go on a Garden Tour…or Two

That’s right, this weekend there isn’t just one garden tour to enjoy – there are two!  Enjoy touring the 7 gardens that make up the Flag City Daylily Tour and the 8 gardens that make up the Findlay Garden Tour for a weekend of beautiful flowers and landscaping.  Both of these tours are free and self-guided so visit a couple gardens or all – you’ll be happy you did!

Rent a Canoe or Kayak

Zonta Landing at Riverside Park is a great place to head for some time on the water.  Canoe and Kayak rentals are available for $5/30 minutes and are open every weekend and holiday through the summer, 1 – 7 p.m.  Rent the boat of your choice and paddle the Blanchard River around Riverside Park.  Have your own canoe or kayak?  You can put your boat in the water at Van Buren State Park, along the Blanchard River, and at many other locations!  Check out those locations here.

Have a Picnic

Pack up a meal or utilize Picnics in the Park for a special day the whole family will remember.  Picnics in the Park is a new company in Findlay and Northwest Ohio that will curate and create a beautiful picnic experience at parks all over the area.  Whether you want a special date night, a family evening out, or a unique paint and sip location with friends Picnics in the Park will set it up and clean it up – all you have to do is show up!  Learn more here.

Hit the Trails or the Playground

We are lucky to have so many great parks in our area – plan to visit a few this holiday weekend!  The kids will love Riverside Park’s StoryWalk or take a stroll on the Riverwalk.  Plan to head to Emory Adams for extensive walking paths as well as the Fort Findlay Playground.  Or head to the north side of Findlay for the Miracle Playground or All Star Playground.  See all the parks and playgrounds in Hancock County here.

This is just scratching the surface of all that there is to do in Findlay and Hancock County.  Check out all the things to do in Findlay here, and see our complete Event Calendar here.

Live Shows. Go.

Posted on , updated on by Heather Clow

We’ve been waiting a long time for this. Since March 12, 2020 to be precise. That’s the date of the first state-wide “mass gathering ban” causing the cancellation of MCPA’s Youtheatre production of The Little Mermaid after months of hard work by elementary school students from across the county. Little did we know that it would be 555 days before our next Mainstage performance.

But here we are. MCPA survived, is still strong and we ready to welcome everyone back through the (very clean) doors and into the (thoroughly sanitized) Donnell Theater.

Live Shows are back at MCPA's Donnell Theatre! Check out musicals, concerts, performances, and family friendly acts during the 2021-22 season! • VisitFindlay.com

The stage is set (and sanitized!) for the 2021-22 season!

There are a few familiar names in the season lineup, shows that we’ve been waiting to bring you since last spring.  We kick off on September 18, 2021 when The Official Blues Brothers Revue finally rolls into town. The other shows rescheduled from the abruptly aborted 2019/2020 season are: The Four Tops on October 21, 2021; The Texas Tenors on April 29, 2022 and William Close and The Earth Harp Collective on May 14, 2022.

Live Shows are back at MCPA's Donnell Theatre! Check out musicals, concerts, performances, and family friendly acts during the 2021-22 season! • VisitFindlay.com

We will finally have the opportunity to see William Close and The Earth Harp Collective, and several other shows that have been postponed from last year!

Joining these postponed shows is a wide range of performances that pay tribute to beloved cultural icons, spread holiday cheer and represent American music as its best.

On October 9, 2021, Steely Van: A Steely Dan & Van Morrison Experience featuring The Brooklyn Charmers & Into The Mystic takes the stage to honor the music of two musical legends. And speaking of legends, the most awarded artist in bluegrass history, Del McCoury and his sons will amaze you on November 4, 2021 with their prowess on the guitar, banjo and mandolin and mastery of that famous high lonesome sound.  

Live Shows are back at MCPA's Donnell Theatre! Check out musicals, concerts, performances, and family friendly acts during the 2021-22 season! • VisitFindlay.com

Del McCoury Band can’t be missed when they come to MCPA on November 4!

For Broadway lovers, the World of Musicals comes to Findlay on January 30, 2022. This revue features songs from classic musicals alongside numbers from hit shows reopening soon in New York. If that’s not enough Broadway for you, Michael Cavanaugh returns on February 10, 2022 to play the music of Billy Joel and Elton John, an act he perfected while starring the Tony Award Musical Movin’ Out.

If tv sitcoms are more your style, be sure to join Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Phoebe and Joey in Friends! The Musical Parody on November 19, 2021.

Live Shows are back at MCPA's Donnell Theatre! Check out musicals, concerts, performances, and family friendly acts during the 2021-22 season! • VisitFindlay.com

Could we BE any more excited? Friends comes to MCPA on November 19.

MCPA celebrates the holiday season with piano master Jim Brickman’s The Gift of Christmas concert on December 17, 2021. And bring the whole family to one of two performances of Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage on December 12, 2021.

Live Shows are back at MCPA's Donnell Theatre! Check out musicals, concerts, performances, and family friendly acts during the 2021-22 season! • VisitFindlay.com

Perfect for the whole family, Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage is the perfect way to ring in the holidays.

Other family shows offered include Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players on November 6, 2021; Dinosaur World Live on February 1, 2022; Schoolhouse Rock Live on February 20, 2022 and The Tortoise and the Hare: The Next Gen on April 2, 2022.

Live Shows are back at MCPA's Donnell Theatre! Check out musicals, concerts, performances, and family friendly acts during the 2021-22 season! • VisitFindlay.com

Do you have a dino lover at your house? Be sure to get tickets to Dinosaur World Live on February 1!

The Live @ Armes series returns on December 10, 2021 with singer-songwriter Heather Maloney. Maine duo The Oshima Brothers plays on January 21, 2022 followed by Ann Arbor musician Chris Bathgate on February 17, 2022. The next generation of bluegrass gets its chance to wow you on March 31, 2022 with Damn Tall Buildings and the season ends with VICKIKRISTINACARCELONA, a trio of powerhouse musicians who put a feminine spin on the music of Tom Waits on May 19, 2022.

Live Shows are back at MCPA's Donnell Theatre! Check out musicals, concerts, performances, and family friendly acts during the 2021-22 season! • VisitFindlay.com

The Live @ Armes series kicks off in December with singer-songwriter Heather Maloney.

Learn more about these shows by clicking the links above, or stop in at MCPA to check out the performance videos in the atrium.  Tickets are on sale now by calling 419.423.2787 ext. 100 or visiting MCPA.org.

We can’t wait to see you all soon!

This blog post was written by Marathon Center for the Performing Arts’ Executive Director Heather Clow!  You can find Heather at the MCPA and out and about experiencing the best of Findlay.  Read more from our guest bloggers here!

Independence Day in Flag City USA

Posted on , updated on by daniellewilkin

Whether you’re in town visiting or a lifelong local, there is so much to do this Fourth of July in Flag City!  Don’t miss any patriotic fun this weekend!

A Salute to America! concert

There's no better place to celebrate Fourth of July than in Flag City USA! Take part in fireworks, parade, and an ice cream social! • VisitFindlay.com

Make sure to arrive to the fairgrounds early to claim the perfect spot for the Lighting up the Sky firework show!

The Findlay Civic Concert Band’s first concert of the year unfortunately had to be cancelled due to heat, so this is your first chance to see them in action this year!  The June 29 concert, held at the Riverside Band Shell at 7 p.m., will feature patriotic tunes for this Salute to America! concert, offering the best way to kick-off the Independence Day weekend.  Learn more here

Lighting Up the Sky Fireworks

There's no better place to celebrate Fourth of July than in Flag City USA! Take part in fireworks, parade, and an ice cream social! • VisitFindlay.com

Flag City’s Independence Day Parade is a can’t miss!

There are few things that scream Fourth of July more than fireworks – and Findlay has you covered!  The Lighting Up the Sky fireworks show will take place at the Hancock County Fairgrounds on July 3 at 10 p.m.  The gates will open at 4 with food vendors available, as well as a family-friendly concert by local favorites The Cherry Bombs.  Admission and parking is free! Learn more here!

Flag City Fourth of July Parade

Don’t miss the Flag City USA Fourth of July Parade starting at 11 a.m..  The parade will begin at Lincoln Street and run north on Main Street, through Downtown Findlay, and ending at Center Street.  Learn more here!

Ice Cream Social

There's no better place to celebrate Fourth of July than in Flag City USA! Take part in fireworks, parade, and an ice cream social! • VisitFindlay.com

Gather on the front porch of the Hull House for an ice cream social

Following the parade at 12:30 p.m. head to the Hancock Historical Museum for an old fashioned ice cream social on the front porch of the Hull House.  Museum facilities will be open with family friendly activities for all.  Admission is free to both the event and the museum – scoops are $2, ice cream bars for $2, and root beer floats for $3 – and all the ice cream is from Dietsch Brothers!  New this year is a commemorative Root Beer Float glass, available for an additional price.  Learn more here!

There is even more to do over Fourth of July weekend in Findlay and Hancock County in addition to these great events!  See the other events taking place here, and plan to spend some time outdoors either in our parks or by renting a canoe or kayak from Zonta Landing, open Saturday – Monday.  Plus, Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation, Inc. is open with train rides on Saturday and Sunday, Painters’ Pottery is open for some artistic expression, and more!  Happy Fourth!

 

Fireworks in Hancock County

Posted on , updated on by daniellewilkin
Summer is Fireworks season! Make your plans to catch all the fireworks in Findlay and Hancock County from June through August. • VisitFindlay.com

Plan which fireworks displays you’ll be attending this summer!

With Fourth of July around the corner it is time to start thinking about where you’ll be catching fireworks this summer!  In Hancock County July 4th isn’t the only time you are able to see fireworks – our communities spread them out all summer.  Check out these Firework shows and make your plans!

Arlington Community Fireworks

Arlington Community Park
Friday, June 25

Kick off firework season with Arlington’s Bang & Boom fireworks!  These fireworks will begin at dusk.  Prior to the fireworks don’t miss the Arlington Fire Department’s annual chicken BBQ!  Facebook.com

Lighting Up the Sky Fireworks

Hancock County Fairgrounds
Saturday, July 3

There is no better place to celebrate Fourth of July than in Flag City USA and that all begins with the Independence Day fireworks!  Gates will open at 4 p.m. with food vendors (some old favorites as well as new faces) on-site.  Prior to the fireworks The Cherry Bombs will take the stage at 8 p.m. and the fireworks should begin at 10 p.m.  If the weather doesn’t cooperate the fireworks will be moved to Monday, July 5!  VisitFindlay.com

Vanlue Fest Fireworks

Vanlue Community Park
Friday, July 30

Summer is Fireworks season! Make your plans to catch all the fireworks in Findlay and Hancock County from June through August. • VisitFindlay.com

Vanlue’s fireworks are part of their annual Vanlue Fest

Vanlue Fest has all the fun – a parade, kids activities, tournaments, live music and…fireworks!  Vanlue Fest will take place Thursday – Saturday with the fireworks taking place Friday evening.  See all the activities planned here, the complete schedule will be coming soon!  Facebook.com

Bluffton’s National Night Out

Bluffton Community Swimming Pool
Tuesday, August 3

This community-focused event is free to attend with free all-day admission to the swimming pool and fireworks beginning around 9:30!  Fire and EMS from Bluffton, Beaverdam, and Pandora will be participating.  In case of inclement weather National Night Out in Bluffton will be held on Wednesday, August 4.  Facebook.com

Flag City BalloonFest

Emory Adams Park
Friday, August 13

Summer is Fireworks season! Make your plans to catch all the fireworks in Findlay and Hancock County from June through August. • VisitFindlay.com

Flag City BalloonFest’s fun includes a lot more than just hot air balloons, don’t miss the all-day activities, live music, illumination, and Fireworks!

Come for the balloons and stay for the fireworks!  Flag City BalloonFest is back August 13 – 15 with fireworks capping off the first evening.  BalloonFest is a free event with all-day activities beginning early in the morning and taking place until the Glow at night.  The full schedule will be coming soon but you can pencil in Friday around 10 p.m. for fireworks.  In case of bad weather the fireworks will be moved to Saturday.  FlagCityBalloonFest.com

Check out all the other events taking place in our community on our event calendar!  Are we missing your community’s event or fireworks show?  Submit it to be added to our event calendar here.

Happy Easter, Hancock County!

Posted on , updated on by daniellewilkin

Happy Easter!  We’ve made so much progress in the past year that we’re especially happy to be celebrating Easter in Findlay and Hancock County.  Check out some of these ways to celebrate Easter this year:

Dining

We’ve all cooked too much over the past year.  So take the day off and enjoy a local Easter meal cooked for you!  

Eggstravaganza Easter at Mancy’s

Hippity Hoppity Easter’s On Its Way to Mancy’s Steakhouse! Join an Easter brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reservations required, call 567-271-0033!  See the menu here!

Easter Brunch at Hilton Garden Inn

Happy Easter from Hilton Garden Inn!  Enjoy a special (and delicious!) Easter brunch!  Seating times are available from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; reservations are required! For more information or to make your reservation please call 567-250-2525.  See the menu here!

Happy Easter, Hancock County! Check out these ideas for your Easter meal, treats and basket fillers, and some ideas to fill your day. • VisitFindlay.com

Enjoy an Easter brunch at Hilton Garden Inn!

Tony’s Restaurant

Tony’s Restaurant will be open for Easter!  Tony’s will be open on Sunday from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. with their regular menu.  As an added bonus, enjoy lunch specials of a choice of baked steak or baked ham and mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes. 

Tried-and-True favorites

Many of your tried-and-true restaurants will be open this Easter Sunday.  Enjoy down-home cooking at Bob Evans and Cracker Barrel.  Both will open at 6 a.m. and be open throughout the day with regular hours and menus.  Fricker’s offers an alternative to a traditional Easter dinner and will be opening at 5 p.m.

Things to Do

If you’re looking for Spring Break Fun than our own Alissa Preston has you covered with her Staycation Spring Break guide!  Specifically this weekend you can get your Easter Egg Hunt on at Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation.  This continuous egg hunt is divided by age so there is no crazy competition – plus the train will be running!  Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for children and includes a train ride, learn more here. 

Happy Easter, Hancock County! Check out these ideas for your Easter meal, treats and basket fillers, and some ideas to fill your day. • VisitFindlay.com

Easter isn’t just for eggs, but also for trains! Head to NWORRP for their Easter Egg Hunt *Masks required, photo pre-COVID

All weekend the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library will be hosting an at-home Escape Room.  Kits are available beginning March 29 until April 5 and include puzzles and props to create an escape room at home, learn more here.  Of course, the parks are always a great place to spend some quality time on Easter Sunday.  Whether you’re looking to connect in nature or just try out the playgrounds, we have you covered – see all the area parks and playgrounds here!

Happy Easter, Hancock County! Check out these ideas for your Easter meal, treats and basket fillers, and some ideas to fill your day. • VisitFindlay.com

Spend Easter in Fort Findlay!

Treats and Basket Fillers  

Let’s be real, is it a Findlay Easter basket without Dietsch Brothers treats inside?  From peanut butter eggs to peep-pops, Dietsch’s has your Easter treats covered. 

Happy Easter, Hancock County! Check out these ideas for your Easter meal, treats and basket fillers, and some ideas to fill your day. • VisitFindlay.com

Pick up your Easter treats at Dietsch Brothers!

Be sure to pick up Shirley’s popcorn balls and Wolfie’s nuts too!  Are you still on the hunt for some basket fillers?  Gift Certificates are always a winner (we recommend Downtown Gift Certificates!) and if you’re shopping at participating locations up until  Easter you can receive an egg with a special goodie inside for our Shop till you Hop event! 

Happy Easter, Hancock County! Check out these ideas for your Easter meal, treats and basket fillers, and some ideas to fill your day. • VisitFindlay.com

Smarty Pants is full of items that will make perfect Easter basket fillers – you can shop online or in-store!

For the kids in your life be sure to swing by Smarty Pants – Janelle and Jane will help find the perfect items for your child’s Easter basket ranging from games and puzzles to toys and books.  You can also shop Smarty Pants online and select curbside pickup!

However you choose to spend Easter we hope you have a very happy and safe holiday!

Stay-at-Home Spring Break

Posted on , updated on by Alissa Preston

It’s “spring break”…..some will be traveling, for others it’s time to stay close to home.  I’m falling into the latter category and looking forward to making the most of my time!  My bucket list is very kid-friendly, but provides some great ideas for all ages.  Let’s hear it for Spring Break 2021!

Get Crafty! 

Painter’s Pottery has been a go-to recently with the option of take home kits.  As my girls get older their creativity is growing and accessories are a part of their every day.   JuJu Beadz has an amazing selection of beads and great resource if you’re looking to start a new craft!

Enjoy your staycation Spring Break in Findlay! Check out these suggestions from Visit Findlay's Alissa Preston! • VisitFindlay.com

Plan to schedule a time to paint in-person or purchase a take-home kit from Painters’ Pottery!

The Great Outdoors

The parks are in bloom and the upcoming forecast looks pretty agreeable for some time outdoors!  Our family loves that trails at Riverbend Park, and we also plan to hit the Story Walk at Riverside Park.  A wonderful partnership between FHCPL, Findlay Recreation, and HPD to encourage reading outdoors.  Win-win!

Enjoy your staycation Spring Break in Findlay! Check out these suggestions from Visit Findlay's Alissa Preston! • VisitFindlay.com

The Story Walk at Riverside Park is an easy trail that combines reading and the great outdoors!

TREATS!

Every good staycation deserves plenty of treats.  With the warmer temperatures, we’ll definitely hop on our bikes for a trip to Jolly Dipper.  Heck I think we’ll even hit Archie’s too, I’ve yet to make it there this season.  Shame, I know! 

Enjoy your staycation Spring Break in Findlay! Check out these suggestions from Visit Findlay's Alissa Preston! • VisitFindlay.com

Dinner at the Jolly Dipper is a Staycation Spring Break must!

Speaking of bikes, I need to get into Stout Cyclery for a tune-up!  While there, I probably need to update my summer sunglass stash with a new pair of Goodr sunglasses.  If you don’t have a pair for the warmer weather, you’re missing out!

Enjoy your staycation Spring Break in Findlay! Check out these suggestions from Visit Findlay's Alissa Preston! • VisitFindlay.com

Stout Cyclery is a must to tune up your bike, purchase something new, or pick up some accessories!

We’re a sweet tooth family, so there’s more sugar in store (and by “we”, I mean I!).  The Dietsch’s peanut butter eggs are a staple in Easter baskets for the cousins.   

What to wear? 

Last year’s Easter celebration is a little hazy.  Celebrating small at home without our family, but my daughters insisted that we still put on our Sunday best to celebrate.  I have a couple of new items from river + road to choose between to dress for the occasion this year.   As I follow many of our local retailers on social media, there is so much to choose from this spring!  I think we all need a little retail therapy.  Treat yourself to something new this spring.  If you don’t make it out this weekend, you’re in luck next Saturday is Second Saturday, your perfect opportunity to shop local!

Enjoy your staycation Spring Break in Findlay! Check out these suggestions from Visit Findlay's Alissa Preston! • VisitFindlay.com

river + road will get you Easter Sunday ready – and be sure to pick up some special items for your Easter basket while you’re there!

Spring Cleaning

I’m not one to sit still, so as we come and go I’ll sneak in a little spring cleaning.  If nothing else, it’s a great opportunity to spruce up the home décor and start planning new additions to the outdoor landscaping.  Burlwick & Co. is new to downtown and has sooo many things I can see in my own home.  Great gifts for family and friends that you may be sharing the holiday with as well. 

Enjoy your staycation Spring Break in Findlay! Check out these suggestions from Visit Findlay's Alissa Preston! • VisitFindlay.com

Burlwick & Co. is the perfect spot to get items to freshen up the look of your home.

After the flower beds are cleaned up, I’ll start perusing Feasel’s Home and Garden Center for some inspiration.  Have you seen the updates they are making to their backroom?  Beer, wine, and food on location – that’s definitely a plus in my shopping experience!

Enjoy your staycation Spring Break in Findlay! Check out these suggestions from Visit Findlay's Alissa Preston! • VisitFindlay.com

Sip some wine overlooking Feasel’s – a perfect place to enjoy your Spring Break

Bottom line, there is so much to see and do right in your own backyard.  Take a moment, or the whole weekend to get out and enjoy our community!

This post was written by Alissa Preston.  Alissa is the director of Visit Findlay, Oler’s Aficionado, and supporter of all things Findlay.  That isn’t much is it?  Learn more about Alissa here!

The Columbia Glass Company in Findlay

Posted on , updated on by patbauman

Read Pat’s earlier blogs detailing Findlay’s history here!

With the discovery of gas in Findlay many industries, especially glass, were attracted to Findlay, lured by free or “cheap” gas for fuel.  The glass companies took the bait and one by one came to Findlay   They included 8 window,  2 bottle, 2 chimney lamp, one light bulb, 1 novelty, and 5 tableware glass factories.  Tableware companies employed women as decorators and packers, however men were generally glass blowers.

Learn about the Findlay glass industry, another of the results from the Gas Boom of the 1880s and 1890s with local historical Pat Bauman • VisitFindlay.com

The Columbia Glass Company had a factory in Findlay from 1886-1892

The Columbia Glass Company from Pittsburgh was the first tableware company to locate in Findlay.  In 1886 they signed a contract with the Findlay Gas Light Company for a factory site and their gas supply.  The term was for five years for $43,000.

Learn about the Findlay glass industry, another of the results from the Gas Boom of the 1880s and 1890s with local historical Pat Bauman • VisitFindlay.com

The Findlay glass display at the Hancock Historical Museum

The site was on the east side of the New York Central Railroad between Crystal Avenue and the Nickel Place Railroad.  Construction of the factory started July 19, 1886 by William H. Camfield (builder of the Hancock County court house). 

Learn about the Findlay glass industry, another of the results from the Gas Boom of the 1880s and 1890s with local historical Pat Bauman • VisitFindlay.com

You can see plenty of Findlay-made glass on display at the Hancock Historical Museum! The museum is open Wednesday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sundays, 1 – 4 p.m., and Saturday by appointment

In 1891 Columbia Glass became part of the U. S. Glass Company.  In 1892, employees were notified the factory would be shut down.  Glass making, ceased and the furnace was banked.  Because this was in the dead of winter and the gas was shut off. All the glass was destroyed as the outside temperature was below zero.  You can read more about the different glass factories located in Findlay here and purchase pieces, including those from Columbia Glass, at the Hancock Historical Museum online and in the gift shop.

See examples of Columbia Glass Company glass: 

Read more of Pat’s pieces on Findlay’s history here!

This blog post was written by Visit Findlay blogger Pat Bauman.  Pat is a Findlay history buff, author, mom and grandmother.  That isn’t much, is it?  Learn more about Pat and read her other blog posts here!

Lucky Number Seven – Findlay is Top Micropolitan

Posted on , updated on by daniellewilkin

2020 may have been a year like no other, but for Site Selection magazine there was one thing that stayed the same – Findlay is the Top Micropolitan.  Read Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development’s announcement here.

2020 was a year like no other, but for Site Selection magazine there was one thing that stayed the same - Findlay is the Top Micropolitan. • VisitFindlay.comOf the nation’s 575 micropolitan areas Findlay was found to be on top.  Rankings are based on qualified projects that meet at least one of three criteria: $1 MM or more invested, at least 20 jobs created, or 20,000+ square feet constructed.  A micropolitan is a city with a population of 10,000-50,000 people that cover at least one county.

Mayor Christina Muryn says the award shows that Findlay is intentional about business development, saying “My office works every day with business stakeholders to position Findlay to be as competitive as possible. As we invest and expand existing business, we will continue to attract new world-class companies,” said Christina Muryn, Mayor-City of Findlay.

2020 was a year like no other, but for Site Selection magazine there was one thing that stayed the same - Findlay is the Top Micropolitan. • VisitFindlay.com

Findlay pulls all the necessary people together to create a community to live, play, and work.

Director of Economic Development, Tim Mayle, shares that the award validates the strength of the manufacturing and logistics base.  He says, “Each year our prime directive is assisting local companies as they seek to grow.  The majority of qualifying projects come from companies continuing to hire employees, expand facilities and invest in machinery and equipment.”

Findlay•Hancock County Economic Development focused again on residential development in 2020, which are projects that do not count towards qualifications for the Top Micropolitan award. “The County Commissioners are vigorous supporters of business but no more so than assisting our expanding workforce. One of the best ways to do this is via business-friendly residential development thus encouraging employees to not only work here but also live here. We continue to build. Multiple residential projects are in the pipeline for 2021,” said Timothy Bechtol, County Commissioner.

2020 was a year like no other, but for Site Selection magazine there was one thing that stayed the same - Findlay is the Top Micropolitan. • VisitFindlay.com

Cheers to seven consecutive Top Micropolitan awards!

Findlay•Hancock County Economic Development will continue to attract automotive supply chain and high-tech logistics investment in 2021. “Findlay’s central location and progressive business environment give us a strategic advantage,” said Mayle.  Site Selection magazine is the official publication of the Global FDI Association and the Industrial Asset Management Council.  The full press release can be found here.