catawba island magazine

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

Catawba Island Township: Police, Non-emergency

419-797-2422

Fire, Non-emergency

419-797-2424

Trustees & Clerks - 419-797-4131

Zoning Office - 419-797-4131

Maintenance - 419-797-2460

Ottawa County: Sheriff - 419-734-4404

Commissioners - 419-734-6790

Auditor - 419-734-6740

Treasurer - 419-734-6750

Building Dept.- 419-734-6767

Prosecutor - 419-734-6845

Recycling - 419-734-6783

Dog Warden - 419-898-1368

Emergency Mgmt - 419-734-6900

Regional Planning - 419-734-6780

Engineer - 419-734-6777

Schools: Board of Education - 419-732-2102

Bataan Elementary 419.734.2815

Middle School - 419-734-4448

High School - 419-734-2147

Bus Garage 419.734.1516

Immaculate Conception School

419.734.3315

Utilities:

Sanitary Engineer- 419-734-6725

Time Warner Cable - 888-683-

1000

Ohio Edison - 800-633-4766

Verizon - 800-555-4833

Columbia Gas - 800-344-4077

Other Numbers:

Magruder Hospital - 419-734-3131

Post Office - 419-732-3322

Visitors Bureau - 419-734-4386

On the Cover… Miller Ferry Dock by George Krejci

3 … Letter from the Press

4… Christmas on Catawba

6… Grape & Wine Production

8… Restaurants & Entertainment

9… The Arts

10… Police Beat

12… Township News

13… Fire Department

14… Real Estate

16… Around Town

18… Horoscopes

19… Classifieds

on page

15

on page

17

December 2009 The Catawba Island Magazine 3

December 2009

Dear friends, We really lucked out with a rather nice November. Dave and I

enjoyed numerous walks along the beach collecting even more beach glass than

in the past month with the lower tide (and Greg Sloan not being around! Ha). A

few weekends ago, it was just so beautiful that I was able to do a ton of yard

work in shorts and even saw a few yachts and fishing boats on the lake! Yet

another wonderful month on Catawba…

Winter has an entirely different beauty of its own… It’s truly a wonderful time of

year! Please don’t forget to share it with that person or family you may know

that could use a little extra merriness in their holiday this year.

Things really begin to slow down around the island this time of year but our

magazine is just bustling with activity because this is the best time to advertise…

even after the holidays. There’s less competition and more serious buyers mean-

ing more sales. If you or someone you may know would benefit from advertising

to our 3,700 Catawba Island area addresses and over 200 subscribers, visit our

website at www.catawbaislandmagazine.com! And don’t forget that our current

advertisers bring our little publication to your door so be sure to thank them! We

are also looking for local distributors and an advertising sales rep; contact

Andrea for more information at 440-724-8382.

We entitled this issue ―Christmas on Catawba‖ in anticipation of our upcoming

holiday event on Saturday, December 12th which is a local art and high-end craft

show benefitting the Humane Society of Ottawa County. Read more about it in

the Around Town section on page 17. Dave and I will also be there selling

subscriptions, back issues and the book ―Legends of Catawba‖ edited by Don

Rhodes. Over 30 other vendors will also be selling their creations so hold off on

your holiday shopping until then and be sure to stop in and check it out!

This issue is merry and bright, filled with holiday cheer that is sure to be a warm

welcome to winter so set aside all the wrapping paper and ribbons for a bit and

enjoy this issue of Catawba Island Magazine!

Truly wishing you and yours the best of the holiday season… and a very happy

New Year!

Thanks for reading! See you around town.

Dave & Andrea Elliott Catawba Island Press

NAME_____________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS_________________________________________________________________ CITY_______________________________________ STATE__________ ZIP___________

Mail to: Catawba Island Press, 9841 State Road, North Royalton, Ohio 44133 with a Check or Money Order made Payable to Catawba Island Press. Subscriptions can also be ordered online at www.catawbaislandmagazine.com Thanks for Reading!

We love to visit Grammy and she just loves when we bring

her the most recent issue of CI Magazine!

The Island Handyman was just too busy this month

to write his article!

Christmas on Catawba is a beautiful time of year.

Cliff Road house. AJE

The Union Chapel, on Porter Road, Catawba Island. AJE

http://www.catawbaislandmagazine.com/

Christmas at the Union Chapel By Andrea J. Elliott

The following is a compilation of

reflections from Don Rhodes’ child-

hood memories of Christmas-time at

Union Chapel, Catawba Island.

In the late 1930s and early 1940s the

Union Chapel consisted of families

on Catawba Island which provided

non-denominational services on Sun-

days and for major religious holi-

days. At the time, there was a Board

of Trustees and a Superintendent

overseeing the business affairs of the

chapel. A group of local ladies

known as the ―Dorcas Society‖

raised money to offset the mainte-

nance of the building. Preachers at

the chapel were sometimes from

other local churches or volunteered

to preach while summering or visit-

ing the area. The Sunday service was

often given by the superintendent or

by others. Hymns were accompanied

by a piano player who was usually a

local. They all did their best to give

their brand of religion and many who

attended the Union Chapel are better

because of it.

During winter the chapel was only

heated on Sundays or when it was

used for special events. A large coal-

fired ―Heatrola‖ was used to heat the

chapel and sat to the far side with its

smoke stack running up and across

the ceiling to get to the chimney over

to the other side of the building.

Occasionally, if the suet clogged a

stove pipe, the pipes and stove would

rumble just before a pipe broke

loose. Anyone sitting under or near

the loose pipe would unknowingly

receive a shower of black suet. The

unique rumble emerging from the

stove was an indication there was a

clog and at any moment a stove pipe

might break away or the stove door

might blow open. When the forebod-

ing rumble occurred, everyone

would quickly take their chairs and

move. Those at the chapel who had

experienced the stove’s fury knew

what to expect when the warning

rumble of the old Heatrola would

sound.

The smaller children were seated

near the Heatrola stove to keep them

warm during chapel service while

the older kids sat in the back. The

seats in the back were cold and near

heavily-frosted windows which were

The Catawba Island Magazine December 2009 4

CONTINUED on NEXT PAGE

The Union Chapel on Porter Road, Catawba Island. Watercolor by Pat Bristley will be available

on a Christmas Card only at Christmas on Catawba, Saturday December 12, see page 17.


used as makeshift canvases by the

older boys not paying attention dur-

ing the service.

Several planning sessions took place

weeks in advance of Christmas to

insure a successful program.

Children were chosen for each part

and given their scripts to study.

Excitement for the upcoming pro-

gram grew as Christmas drew near.

In preparation of Christmas, chapel

members would cut down a large red

cedar tree from the woods behind the

school house on NW Catawba Road.

An old box filled with lights and

ornaments was brought down from

the chapel’s attic to trim the tree.

Decorating the tree was an enjoyable

communal affair of the chapel mem-

bers. Young children and adults alike

placed ornaments on the tree.

During the depression years of the

late 30s and early 40s, many families

gathered at the Union Chapel for

their annual Christmas Eve program.

It was always well-supported and

attended by local families and guests.

Chapel and school events at this time

served as major community func-

tions where neighbors and families

could meet and socialize.

The Christmas program was per-

formed by the Sunday School chil-

dren. The younger children would

recite Christmas-related poems and

bible versus. The older children par-

ticipated in a manger scene complete

with the three Wise Men and Shep-

herds; all dressed in itchy, burlap

sack robes. Traditional Christmas

carols were sung by all and always

included Joy to the World and Silent

Night.

After the program each child re-

ceived a small box of candy and an

orange. Santa Claus would then pay

a surprise visit to the chapel. Santa

was played by a different local man

each year but the children didn’t re-

alize this until they were older. The

little children only saw him as Santa

Claus but did not get too close incase

Santa truly knew whether they had

been naughty or nice.

After the Christmas program, some

families would go home to find

Santa had been there and gifts were

opened. Some families waited until

Christmas morning for gift-opening.

On Christmas day, families shared a

bountiful Christmas dinner which at

times included pheasant and rabbit

from their own farm lands.

Long into the New Year, parishion-

ers would speak highly of the Christ-

mas Eve they shared at the chapel

and looked forward to next year’s

Christmas program with much antici-

pation—especially the three Wise

Men and Shepherds passing along

those itchy, burlap sack robes to the

next generation of Sunday School

children. ∞

CONTINUED from Previous Page

Island Fun Trivia 1. What is the term for oscillation of

water particles in the lake?

2. What’s the world’s largest island?

3. How many US states border the

Great Lakes?

4. What does a piscatologist excel at?

5. What island was the jungle home of

King Kong in the 1933 film?

6. What native tribe of headhunters

inhabited Gilligan’s Island before

the castaways arrival there? See page 19 for the answers!

Grape Growing and Wine Making

Part 2 of 2

by Don Rhodes

As early as the 1840s, cuttings of

Catawba grapes had been bought to

Kelleys Island. They adapted to our

soil and climate, remained disease-

free, and vineyards and wine cellars

were established on the island. The

first wines were shipped from Kel-

leys by the 1850s. As early as 1857,

3,600 gallons of wine were exported

from the island.

Grape growing spread to the Bass

Islands. Vineyards and wine cellars

were soon established. Many of the

grape growers and wine makers were

German immigrants who were al-

ready familiar with grape production

and winemaking from their native

homeland. In 1858, eight vineyards

were planted on South Bass. In 1859,

vineyards were planted on Middle

and North Bass. Wineries and cellars

were soon to follow. Grape growing

spread to the mainland in the 1850s,

located mainly along the south shore

of Lake Erie from Cleveland to

Toledo. By 1859, Ohio’s grape pro-

duction surpassed all other states,

with the majority of grapes still com-

ing from southern Ohio.

Vineyard expansion continued on

Catawba and adjoining areas and

―grape fever‖ took over. Much of

Catawba’s acreage was sold off in

small plots as speculation. Non-

residents purchased many twelve-

acre and smaller vineyards, although

they had no experience in grape cul-

tivation. They were all hoping to

cash in on the boom. 70% of the

vineyards in the early 1860s were of

the ―Catawba‖ variety. That is the

reason our area is called ―Catawba

Island‖. Concord grapes were

planted in the 1870s. Many Catawba

households had ―Catawba wine‖ in

the basement, and ―Concord‖ jam or

jelly in the pantry. Most of the local

grape picking was done by women

and children, starting in September

and ending in November. Older

students were excused from school

during the peak season to help pick

the grapes.

Catawba Island had three commer-

cial wineries. Benedict Furrer mi-


Remains of the Gideon Owen Wine Cellar on NE Catawba Road; Photo by BD. Inset photo of Don

Rhodes next to his 800 galloon cask discussing grape growing and wine production. AJE


grated from Switzerland in 1863. He

planted vineyards near Catawba

Point and built a home and winery

located on the southeast corner of

Porter Road and N. W. Catawba

Road. He produced ―sweet and dry

still wines‖ and grape brandy. In the

summer, the wines were sold from

an outdoor wine garden. The winery

went out of business in 1905.

Gideon Owen came from New York

State in 1865. He planted vineyards

near Catawba Point. He established a

winery on N. E. Catawba Road, and

also produced sweet and dry still

wines. The winery was later con-

verted to a Peach Brandy Distillery.

That wine cellar still remains.

The third winery was the Catawba

Island Wine Co., located on Wine

Cellar Road. It was a cooperative

venture of Catawba and Danbury

grape growers. Still and sparkling

wines were produced for a very short

time. The winery was out of business

by the late 1870s. After Prohibition,

the Catawba Island Wine Co.

reopened in 1933, took the name of

Mon Ami, and again produced still

wines and champagne. A very

destructive fire struck the winery in

the fall of 1943, destroying the origi-

nal, local black walnut framing of

the two upper floors, leaving just the

walls and cellar intact. Before the

damaged upper floors were rebuilt,

some of our local teenage boys

experimented by drinking their first

wine out of Mason jars.

By the 1890s, vineyard acreage

began to decline due to increased

production in California, the general

lowering of prices, and more compe-

tition from New York, Pennsylvania

and Michigan, forcing farmers to

give up grape growing and going

into cultivating other fruit crops such

as apples, pears and peaches. After

the Volstead Act of 1919

(Prohibition), much of our land that

was once planted in vineyards, was

sold for summer homes or cottages

and resort properties.

A few grape and wine facts: In 1857,

Louis Pasteur first defined and ex-

plained the fermentation process.

Traditionally, grapes are sold by the

pound. It takes approximately 11½

pounds of grapes to make a gallon of

wine. In the 1860s, it cost $100.00

per acre for setting out a vineyard. In

1868, Marblehead Peninsula

(Danbury) and Catawba Island

pressed 80,000 gallons of wine. Most

of Catawba’s grapes were shipped

off the Island, the largest market be-

ing Detroit. Our native American

lebrusca species is best identified by

its slip-skin properties, the pulp is

easily squeezed from the skin. The

vinifera and muscadine grapes are

not slip-skin. Grapevines must be

pruned as grapes only grow on new

wood.

I recommend that next spring, you

plant some of our native grapes in

your backyard. When they mature,

try your hand at making some home-

made wine. ∞


Pictured below: The only known Catawba

Island Wine Co. bottle in existence. Photo

courtesy of Don Rhodes.

Old Hock Wine Bottles. AJE


We cozy’d up to the bar and Rich

ordered a beer and me, a cocktail—

generously poured I might add.

The menu provided appetizers and

many choices—including sand-

wiches—a large, upscale burger and

a salmon choice among a few others.

Disappointed there was no perch

sandwich offering, we instead or-

dered the $14.99 dinner entrée fried.

A couple at the bar was enjoying the

perch dinner and it looked reasona-

bly plentiful. As we are light eaters,

we chose to share the perch entrée.

Numerous other elegant entrée

choices were on the menu, and we

were handed a list of ―specials‖ with

abundant entrée choices as well as a

soup—beef barley—and lots of des-

serts too.

We were pleasantly surprised when

we were offered a choice of salads—

we chose the Asian salad. The mixed

greens salad arrived with light Asian

dressing and fried wontons as gar-

nish. The generous perch serving

was presented on a trendy square

plate. Dinner was accompanied by

home-made fries (mashed was of-

fered too) and perfectly prepared

zucchini wedges.

The new manager, Jay Bo-Sliman

formerly of the Garden Restaurant,

was meeting and greeting customers.

We introduced ourselves expressing

our delight with the menu and all the

customers. He indicated many of his

former Garden patrons were pleased


with the new location—a much

shorter drive than into Port Clinton.

As patrons left he thanked them for

stopping by. We met friends who

chose the appetizer route, one which

included walleye cakes, and they

were happy with their choice.

The Islander Grille is casual, up-

scale dining with suitable price op-

tions based upon the menu diversity.

White table cloths and flowers deco-

rated the dining tables. Outside patio

dining on the fairway is available

during season—weather permitting.

We recommend the newly-managed

Islander Grille, and we’ll be back to

work through the other menu

choices. Days and hours are limited

during the off season, so it’s best to

call ahead.

Oh, and ladies, be sure to visit the

women’s powder room—there’s a

miniature fireplace in the bathroom

stall! ∞

Restaurants & Entertainment

Your Ad Here Can

Reach 3,700+ Catawba

Island Area Residents

& Businesses Plus

Subscribers with the

Catawba Island Magazine!

For more information call

Andrea J. Elliott

at 440-724-8382.

Islander Grille

at Willow’s Golf Course

Sand Road, Catawba Island by Pamela Holt

Rich and I were seeking a new local

dining experience and were delighted

to learn the Islander Grille recently

experienced new management. We

were reluctant to stop in at first due

to the lack of patronage in the past

but were pleasantly surprised to find

lots of patrons—at 8:30pm no less.

We found all but one table filled and

about five couples at the bar area.


painting of ice shanties at Catawba

State Park long ago. Could a water-

color be produced showing the same

scene? Of course! The other scenes I

decided on were of the Miller Ferry

Dock with a sleigh in the foreground,

and a boy and his new sled by a

house on the grounds of Sunnyside

Tower on N. W. Catawba Road.

I often do paintings with a limited

pallet of colors. It was decided to do

the Christmas card paintings primar-

ily in shades of red, green and gray.

So in the painting of ice shanties, a

shanty that was formerly yellow be-

came white with a red roof. The

point north of the park magically

became covered with snow. One

shanty door sported a wreath. Just

for fun, a Christmas stocking with a

fish peaking out of it was put on the

other shanty. I am not sure who put it

there. Was it Santa, knowing that

fisherman dreamed of catching a

huge fish? Or was it another fisher-

man who put it there for a joke? You

decide. ∞

Christmas Cards for Sale

by Pat Bristley

You might think discussing Christ-

mas cards is a subject for December.

But if you are a painter and plan to

produce Christmas cards to sell, you

must start them much earlier. My

flight into being a Christmas card

entrepreneur began when I did a

painting of Union Chapel at Catawba

Point in January, 2009. A Chapel

tradition was Christmas programs

put on by the children in the Sunday

School on Christmas Eve. So in my

painting, dusk was falling, there

were wreaths on the windows, and

shadowy figures appeared in the

lighted windows – as though proud

parents filled the chapel to watch

their children’s Christmas program.

The beginning of what may have

been a good idea, came later. There

are always paintings leaning against

my fireplace. That way I can enjoy

them. Once, while looking at the

painting of Union Chapel, I thought,

wouldn’t it be interesting to do

Christmas cards showing Ottawa

County scenes? And the one of Un-

ion Chapel is already done.

Following that brainstorm, I decided

Christmas cards of Ottawa County

might sell well to Ottawa Countians

and to people that lived elsewhere

but loved its beauty spots. With that

in mind, I decided to do four scenes.

What would they be of? If a success-

ful venture, would there be more

Christmas cards in following years

showing different scenes? Imagina-

tion running wild, I thought, maybe

the cards will even become collecti-

bles.

February, 2009, brought nationwide

news about the rescue of ice fisher-

men off Crane Creek in Ottawa

County. Therefore, it was easy to

decide on one scene. I did an oil

Pat Bristley’s Christmas cards will be for sale at Christmas on Catawba. See page 17 for info.

BOARD OF TOWNSHIP

TRUSTEES MINUTES

OCTOBER 27, 2009

The meeting began at 7:30 p.m. and

the Pledge of Allegiance was recited

by all. In attendance: William

Rofkar, Robert Schroeder, Gary

Mortus, Pat Cerny, Matt Montowski,

Jack Devore, John Smothers, Mr. &

Mrs. Budd. Previous meeting min-

utes were approved and bills in the

amount of $44,680.73 were approved

to be paid.

Correspondence: Catawba Cliffs

Association, John Coppeler, Treas-

urer, requesting that the township

reimburse for their deductible for the

replacement of plate on Wehye Road

that was damaged during plowing by

the township. This request will be

turned over to the township’s insur-

ance.

Gary Mortus complimented the

maintenance department on the com-

munity hall, inside and outside.

Sergeant Jim Stewart, needs addi-

tional training for his firearm train-

ing instructor certification at a cost

of $175.00. Gary Mortus also stated

that Chief Rogers would like to hire

Jeff Hickman as a part-time officer.

Gary Mortus would like to review

the schedule first so as not to penal-

ize another part-time officer. This

will be discussed further.

Gary Mortus asked Pat Cerny about

the building by the Yacht Center at

1991 Northeast Catawba Road. She

stated it is a temporary sales office

and will be removed in the spring of

2010 after a new office is built.

They will be using this building to

sell boats and William Rofkar feels

that this is in violation of our zoning

resolution. Gary Mortus stated a

stop work order should be issued.

William Rofkar attended a special

County Health Board Meeting. Dr.

Cadigan left as the physician on the

board and Dr. Briede was appointed

as the doctor on the health board.

William Rofkar stated the truck

chassis is in. The old truck will be

disposed of by sealed bid. Meeting

adjourned. ∞


Please Note: Township Meeting and

Zoning Minutes contained herewith are

edited for space. Full version available

through the township administration. ∞

LEAF COLLECTION will

continue through December

and then for a week in Spring.

CHRISTMAS TREE PICK-

UP will begin after the

holidays.

care. Members are also responsible

for the maintenance and repairs to

the department’s rescue equipment.

This includes nine vehicles, a fire

boat, ice rescue skiff, snowmobile

and countless hand tools and power

tools used in the performance of our

duties.

It is easy to see why I praise our

members for their intelligence, hard

work and dedication.

On behalf of all of the members of

the Catawba Island Volunteer Fire

Department, I wish you a very Merry

Christmas! Thank you for your con-

tinued support. May you be blessed

with health and happiness in the

coming year.

John F. Gangway

Chief

BE SAFE THIS HOLIDAY Since 2000, nine deaths and more

than $1.9 million in damages were

reported in Ohio as a result of fires

starting on or around Christmas

trees. These factors pose an espe-

cially increased fire threat during the

holidays; decorative lighting, live

trees and unattended children.¹ ∞

¹ State Fire Marshal Bell, ODC

FROM THE FIRE CHIEF

In last month’s issue I praised our

members as being a ―Smart,

hardworking, dedicated and a fun

group of men and women‖. I would

like to share with you, some of the

training we received in 2009 and the

dedication shown by our volunteers

who strive to provide professional

services.

We train hard and have fun in the

process. As volunteers we meet

every Monday night for training or

work sessions. Through the course of

a year many members seek

additional training outside the

department. Some of these training

sites include: the State Fire Acad-

emy, the BGSU Fire School, local

vocational schools, St. Vincent Part-

ners for Life Conference and others.

All of our members are firefighters

and some firefighters take additional

training to become emergency

medical technicians (EMTS). Both

firefighters and EMTs require con-

tinuing education. Below are just a

few of the many training classes or

certifications that our members have

participated in this year alone: con-

fined space rescue, radiological

emergencies, aircraft emergencies,

propane emergencies, rescue diver

training, incident command, vehicle

fires, emergency vehicle drivers

training, safe ladder use, ice rescue,

building construction, ropes and

knots, pump operations, mass

casualties, flashovers, firefighting

foam, forcible entry techniques, etc.

In addition to the above firefighting

training, our firefighter/EMTs

participate in emergency medical

training classes that include all

aspects of pre-hospital emergency


short distance of our main clubhouse,

upon which we will construct a com-

plete 18-hole golf course and athletic

field.

Music and Entertainment. A regu-

larly employed orchestra of noted

artists and a far-reaching radio, a

large pipe organ of unsurpassed

beauty and tone will be installed.

Also there will be complete equip-

ment for private theatricals.

Membership. The membership will

consist of the highest type of repre-

sentative men and women eligible

only through invitation. Member-

ship Certificates will be transferable.

Assured Success of Operation. The

fixed annual income of Casa Del

Lago will be far in excess of that

ever enjoyed by any club during its

first year of operation. This is due to

the large number of sleeping rooms

which the club will maintain. The

income from these rooms, together

with other substantial sources of

revenue, insures the successful op-

eration of the club from the day its

doors are open. ∞


Edited by Pamela Holt

The following excerpts were edited

from a vintage brochure from the

1920s that was an exploratory

marketing piece for a proposed club

to be built near Catawba Point. It

must not have generated any interest

as the promoter had never even pur-

chased the land at the proposed site.

A special thanks to Don Rhodes for

the use of this interesting brochure.

Club Casa Del Lago

“The Venice of the Great Lakes”

CLUB CASA DEL LAGO is being

created and erected as a family insti-

tution in response to an ever-growing

demand for a better club, residence

and social environment. A club

especially designed to meet the

exacting requirements of a select and

discriminating membership of

particular people who appreciate

unequalled comforts, luxurious

appointments and superior service in

a clean, wholesome atmosphere.

The ―eternal question of today‖ is

where can one live surrounded by a

suitable and proper environment?

CLUB CASA DEL LAGO will an-

swer this question by providing for

its members one hundred fifty spa-

cious, airy, luxuriously furnished

sleeping rooms, each containing a

private bath, ample closet space and

dressing room—this suite will be

equipped with the most modern fea-

tures and fixtures. Due to the large

number, these magnificent rooms

can be operated very economically,

making it possible to provide for the

members’ complete home life plus

every known club convenience and

enjoyment, at a cost so minimal to be

surprising.

Location and Transportation.

CLUB CASA DEL LAGO has been

singularly fortunate in securing a

location for its club home in that de-

lightful section known as Catawba

Island on Lake Erie situated within

sight of Put-in-Bay, Mouse Island,

Bass Island, Pelee and several others.

Canada is in the distance. ―The Ven-

ice of the Great Lakes.‖

The Casa Del Lago natural harbor

affords safe anchorage for yachts,

large cruisers and speed boats. The

landing dock of the proposed pier

will have a draft of over 30 feet,

making it a safe landing for the larg-

est of lake steamers.

In addition, negotiations are now

being carried on for the acquisition

of a suitable tract of land, within

Information obtained from the Ottawa County Auditor deemed reliable but not guaranteed accurate.

Andrea J. Elliott, REALTOR® Multi-Million Dollar Producer

Consecutive Quality Award Recipient

Direct 440-724-8382 [email protected]

Owner Property Address Sale Date Sale Price Seller

MOYER M & K 3575 NE CATAWBA #19 11/13/2009 3000 SANDERS JEANE

DITTMAN W R SR & S S B 1660 COMPASS AVE 11/23/2009 10000 DITTMAN W R SR

TIMNEY M C & G S&T 0 N WINDWARD 11/17/2009 15000 KAMANN MW & HR S&T

MELNIK F F & J A S&T 1729 N WINDWARD 11/13/2009 134300 COLLINS WILLIAM D

KNIGHT R R & M M S&T 1859 NE CATAWBA RD 11/16/2009 65000 SCHULDT DANIEL B

GAYNOR D & B S&T 5100 BLUE TEAL 11/5/2009 74500 SCHRICKEL CSTM HMS

WONNELL D G & D S S&T 2750 CANTERBURY 11/2/2009 313015 SUNSHINE LAND II LLC

HOLBERT R L & J J S&T 1660 COMPASS 11/23/2009 255000 DITTMAN WM R SR &

Christmas on Catawba

Memories from the Krejci’s

In the early 1950’s George and Mary

kept a trailer at Parmen’s trailer park

(now the Catawba Point Association)

where they spent their summers.

Each winter the trailer would be

closed down and winterized—as did

most of their park neighbors. The

winterizing included the central rest-

rooms and only left the dreaded out-

house.

George and Mary began a New

Year’s Day custom of a community

steak fry with their park friends from

Cleveland. The group used large

charcoal grills and prepared a great

meal—all done outside. There was

no heat in the trailers, but they did

provide protection from the bone-

chilling wind.

Not normally seeing or visiting Ca-

tawba Island in the wintertime,

George and Mary were surprised at

the difference between seasons. They

took the opportunity to walk on the

ice and look at the little frozen cove

where they did most of their summer

swimming. It was quite a change!

After George and Mary sold their

trailer at Parmen’s, they moved full-

time into a house near the point on

Catawba Island.

Each year they received a free

Christmas tree as a gift from one of

their former clients, but had to drive

to Cleveland to pick it up. Picture

the scene with the 10 to 12 foot

Christmas tree tied to the roof of

their small Chevy Cavalier. The trip

required Mary to constantly check

out the front window then the back

window to assure the tree was han-

dling the trip safely as the tree was

nearly as big as the car. One thing

they did learn from the experience

was that any dead needles, at 75 mph

for one hour, were all gone by the

time the tree arrived safely at their

home. ∞


Got a clue where on Catawba this is? We didn’t think so! Time to

go hunting around the island to see if you can find it! Send your best

guess to [email protected] along with your name or

fill out this form or a copy and mail it to us at Catawba Island Press,

9841 State Road, North Royalton, Ohio 44133. Deadline is Decem-

ber 25, 2009. If you're correct we'll publish your name in January's

issue along with the correct answer. Good Luck!

Name____________________________________

Phone/Email______________________________

Address__________________________________

Your Guess: ______________________________

Ok so I may have made last month’s Scavenger Hunt a little too difficult because we only received one correct response. Chuck Miller of Baumann Auto sent in the only

right answer… He says he loves to swim at this spot at the Catawba Island Club.

Good job Chuck! Try again this month!

The Krejci’s old trailer at the old Parmen’s

Trailer Park pictured below.

Mary Krejci with their free Christmas tree.

Ottawa County Helping Hand

TOY DRIVE

The Ottawa County Helping Hand

Toy Drive is the collaborative efforts

of The Salvation Army, Toys for

Tots ―Weapons Company 124‖ and

Ottawa County Holiday Bureau.

These agencies partner with other

community organizations to assure

that each child in Ottawa County

receives a gift under their tree this

holiday season.

By partnering, we are able to provide

assistance to all who are in need and

make our donated dollars stretch, by

not duplicating one another. Be-

cause of this collaboration, last year

nearly 4,000 toys were distributed to

children in Ottawa County.

This year we anticipate serving 1900

children countywide. The toy collec-

tion boxes will be out in our local

stores, churches, banks and busi-

nesses through December 14th. All

toys collected will stay in Ottawa

County and serve our local residents

in need.

If you would like to help, you can

drop off your new unwrapped toy

donation at: Huntington Bank – Ca-

tawba and Port Clinton, Key Bank,

National City Bank, Bassett's, Wood

Forest Bank, Firelands Presbyterian

Church, Curves – Port Clinton and

Oak Harbor, Kroger's, Community

Market – Port Clinton and Oak Har-

bor, Trinity United Methodist

Church – Port Clinton, ODOT,

Crosswinds Restaurant, Ottawa De-

partment of DD, Lagoon Saloon,

Lakeside Church, AAA, Mallory &

Co., Harbor Lanes, Peace Lutheran

Church, Slater’s, Nor’Easter Club

Let’s all work together this holiday

season to make sure each child in

Ottawa County receives something

special under their tree. If you

would like to make a donation,

please call The Salvation Army –

419-732-ARMY (2769) and speak

with Maureen Saponari.

Erie Island Single Malt Society

For those of you not familiar with

Highland Park, it is possibly the

most celebrated Scotch Whisky to-

day. The distillery is located on the

island of Orkney and is the northern-

most distillery in all of Scotland.

Founded in 1798, it is one of the few

distilleries left to malt their barley in

house. This is done by hand with

peat cut from nearby Hobbister Moor

and it is mixed with heather before

being used as the fuel for the malting

fire. This attention to detail and

craftsmanship, aged in Oloroso

Sherry Casks, are the reasons for all

the accolades.

Thanks to everyone that made it out

for the November tasting of the

Highland Park 18yr. With the High-

land Park 12yr being a favourite al-

ready, it was no wonder the 18yr was

considered a hit. Everything about

the Highland Park 18yr is excellent

and it really does exemplify all the

elements of a superior Whisky.

If you would like more information

about the Erie Island Single Malt

Society, please feel free to contact

me at [email protected].

My name is Denny and aside from

being the EISMS Secretary, I am

also the liquor clerk at Bassett's Liq-

uor Store where I have assembled

one of the areas largest and most di-

verse Scotch Whisky selections. If

you cannot find me there then you

will definitely find myself and a few

others from the club at Nagoya on

Friday evenings having a taste

of...well...I'm not sure...they are nice

enough to allow me to pick some-

thing out of the ordinary to add to the




To WIN, solve this puzzle and mail it to: Catawba Island Press, 9841 State Road, North Royalton, Ohio 44133 by 12/25/09. Winner will be drawn randomly from correct entries received and announced in the next issue. To solve “Island Hut Sudoku”, every letter in the phrase “ISLAND HUT” must appear within each of the nine columns and nine rows & in each of the nine boxes.

Good Luck! ∞

NAME:__________________________________ ADDRESS:______________________________ _______________________________________ PHONE/EMAIL:___________________________

Congrats to Last Month’s Winner Lisa

Thompson of Westlake! Your

Legends of Catawba is in the mail...

H I L

D A S H N

N U I A

T A I U D N

D

S T N U

I D A L S

L H T

S T U L

to Split Winds Gallery, at 104 W Perry Street

in Downtown Port Clinton!


already excellent Scotch array. So

stop in and ask for a glass of what

has become known as "Denny's

Choice". Currently, the bottle is a

Glenrothes Select Reserve. And

when that one goes empty...who

knows? ∞

CHRISTMAS ON CATAWBA

Art & Craft Show December 12

Christmas on Catawba will be one of

the most exciting affairs of the

season! It’s a local art and high-end

craft show with proceeds benefitting

the Humane Society of Ottawa

County and will take place Saturday,

December 12, 2009 from 11 a.m. to

5 p.m. at the Community Hall on

NW Catawba Road in Catawba

Island Township.

Christmas on Catawba will feature

the best local art and craft talent and

provide the community with a

unique holiday shopping opportu-

nity. Available to purchase at the

show will be the highest quality local

arts and crafts including paintings by

Rosemary Schramm, oil paintings by

Rick Dziak, Lake Erie-related water-

color prints by Jim Siemer, Catawba

Island photography by George Kre-

jci, watercolor Christmas cards by

Pat Bristley, beach glass and drift-

wood artists, handmade jewelry,

wood carvings, fish rubbings, and

many more unique items offered by

Catawba Island area artisans. Ca-

tawba Island Magazine will be sell-

ing back issues, subscriptions and the

book ―Legends of Catawba‖ edited

by Don Rhodes. The Humane Soci-

ety of Ottawa County will be on

hand with a few adoptable animals

dressed for the holidays! There will

also be holiday entertainment, and

even a surprise visit from Santa!

Everyone is welcome and admission

is free with a donation to the Hu-

mane Society. For more information

contact Andrea J. Elliott at 440-724-

8382 or email catawbaisland-

[email protected]. For information

on the Humane Society of Ottawa

County, visit www.hsocpets.com. ∞

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


by Starr

SAGITTARIUS

The Archer * Fire Sign

The Sagittarius zodiac

symbol of half-man, half-horse depicts

their attempt to break free from man’s

animal nature. The Sagittarian is brave,

adventurous and wise. Usually easygo-

ing, however this fire sign gives natives

a quick temper and their optimism can

get them into trouble at times. Sagittar-

ian’s make friends easily.

Sagittarius “The Archer”

November 22nd thru December 21st In December, you’ll be more interested

in improving your dietary habits and

nutrition. Consult with those in the

know and get a plan in motion.

Capricorn “The Mountain Goat”

December 22nd thru January 19th

Giving in a generous manner and being

attentive to the needs of others will

make people want to confide in you

now.

Aquarius “The Water Bearer”

January 20th thru February 19th

Check in with an older friend or rela-

tive this month. Always wel-

come wisdom!

Pisces “Two Fishes”

February 20th thru March 20th A key friend will pave your way. This

special person really cares! Go along

with their suggestions.

Aries “The Ram”

March 21st thru April 19th

Remain sensitive to your budget or

you could be very sorry. Now is not

the time to splurge. Just enjoy the sim-

ple things in life.

Taurus “The Bull”

April 20th thru May 20th During the holiday season defer to

loved ones. You don’t have to make all

of the plans. Others need to do that

job in order to appreciate what you do

for them all year long.

Gemini “The Twins”

May 21st thru June 20th Communication could sizzle at this

time. Stay away from no-win situa-

tions. Make it easy and enjoy the

holidays!

Cancer “The Crab”

June 21st thru July 22nd

Whether you stay at home with fam-

ily or socialize during December,

you’ll enjoy warm companionship

and gain emotional connections.

Leo “The Lion”

July 23rd thru August 22nd

You have an opportunity to deal with

hard facts and facts alone. Leaving

out the story will enable you to come

up with an even better outcome.

Virgo “Virgin”

August 23rd thru September 22nd In December, you’ll feel an urge to

please your loved ones. Show your

concern for them through a suppor-

tive and caring attitude.

Libra “Scales”

September 23rd thru October 22nd

How you have been handling a per-

sonal matter will change this month.

If the solution doesn’t appear imme-

diately, relax and have faith - it will

before year-end.

Scorpio “Scorpion”

October 23rd thru November 21st

Despite a sticky situation in Decem-

ber, you know how to handle it. Show

your softer side, the holidays will be

more enjoyable. ∞

Classified Ads for Real Estate are 50 ¢

a word. Free Garage Sale and Local

Employment Ads. We must receive

these by the last day of the month.

Please send ads to: 9841 State Road,

North Royalton, Ohio 44133 or cataw-

[email protected].

TOOL SHARPENING BLADERUNNER LLC, Preci-sion Tool Sharpening. Bob & Pam Rahm, Catawba Island,

3956 North Union Drive, Port Clinton, Ohio 43452

419-797-4829 [email protected]

HANDYMAN SERVICES CAPTAIN FIX-IT

Keeping your land home on an even keel

Retired shop teacher doing the honey-do list

Free estimates 419-967-0520 SIDING & WINDOWS Henninger Construction

Vinyl Siding, Soffit Systems, Replacement Windows,

5 inch & 6 inch Seamless Gutters, Gutter Guards. CALL GARY

HENNINGER 419-798-4378

*only $96 for 6 months! For more info contact Andrea at 440-724-8382 or [email protected].

FOR SALE or WANTED Catawba Island Bargain Listings...

Reach over 3,700 Catawba Island area Residents & Businesses with our Service Directory*

COLLECTION SERVICE Turnkey Asset Recovery Solutions.

Low fee of 15% on Monies collected. Bryon Evans 419-341-8426 [email protected]

www.turnkeyassetrecoverysolutions.com

FOR SALE Two Kerosene Heaters, one 5 gal Can. Good Condition. All $25 OBO.

419-797-4295 or 330-283-6600

FOR SALE 12" Dewalt Heavy Duty Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw

$500 (new), 15'5" Holsclaw Boat Trailer $225 OBO. 419-797-7463 leave message.

CATAWBA FREE HOUSE 100yr old Victorian Farm House 3 br/2 ba Needs

Siding & Furnace. Must be Moved to your Lot. Serious Inquiries 419-797-6565

FOR SALE Large dark wood Dining Table, casual style, 82X41 w/2 leaves & 6

sturdy chairs $350 419-960-7076

FOR SALE - 40' diesel motor home, trade for boat, plane, land, ??? 419-285-2585

FOR SALE 2000 Sea Ray 340 Sundancer, 12’beam, twin 7.4L Mercruiser,

370hrs, color radar/chart w/GPS, 4 batteries $99,900. 419-797-4318

For Sale Stainless Steel w/Black Jenn-Air 30in Electric Microwave/Multi-Mode

Convection Wall Oven Combo. New Still in Carton. PRICE/OBO $2450.00 419-

797-4521

4 SALE Beautiful Lladro Porcelain, from Oriental Collection, many retired,

includes original boxes. 419-797-4588 if no answer please leave message.


CATAWBA ISLAND - Waterview

with Marina. 2744 sq ft 4 yr old. 3

BDs, basement, spacious 1st flr: Kitch,

din rm, family room & master bedrm.

2nd flr: guest fam rm., 2 BR, BA, of-

fice, 2.5 garage. Prof. Decorated, like

new, Association Pool & clubhouse.

Was $429,900. Save $40K By Owner

$389,000. Call 440-522-8796

HELP WANTED - Have fun meeting

new people and selling Ads for Ca-

tawba Island Magazine! Call Andrea

for more information at 440-724-8382

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Ship & Shore Inc.

Condominium and Residential Property Management

Home, Condo, Commercial Cleaning 419-797-7035 [email protected]

Publisher's notice: All real

estate advertised herein is

subject to the Federal Fair

Housing Act, which makes it

illegal to advertise "any prefer-

ence, limitation, or discrimina-

tion because of race, color,

religion, sex, handicap, familial

status, or national origin, or

intention to make any such

preference, limitation, or

discrimination." We will not

knowingly accept any advertis-

ing for real estate which is in

violation of the law. All per-

sons are hereby informed that

all dwellings advertised are

available on an equal opportu-

nity basis.

VACATION RENTAL-DUNEDIN,

FLORIDA Waterfront Resort --

Efficiency Condo 419-797-2512

www.vacationrentals.com/vacation-

rental/57511.html

Listings are limited to 20 words for residents, not businesses or paid services.

We must receive these by the last day of the month. Please send ads to: 9841

State Road, North Royalton, Ohio 44133 or [email protected].

BOAT SERVICES Tom’s Marine Refinishing

Hulls, Topsides, stripping and varnishing. 35 years Experience.

Reasonable Rates. Call 419-341-5350

Reach 3,700+ Catawba area Addresses with the

For more Info call 440-724-8382

Island Fun

Trivia Answers 1. Wave

2. Greenland

3. Eight

4. Fishing

5. Skull Island

6. The Kubikai

See page 5 for the

questions!

catawba island magazine

Documents

catawba island magazine

catawba winter

catawba island area

book legends of catawba

wonderful time of year

best time

issue christmas

middle school