The preservation dispute

Historical significance: The city lived with the rumors of the home's role in the underground railroad for 150 years. An archaeological dig was conducted and some interesting artifacts were discovered. Support for the historical significance is supported by the following:

• National Trust for Historic Preservation. 
• The Friends of Freedom Society-Ohio Underground Railroad Association.

Three disputing parties have proposed ideas for the home.

Demolition: St. Joseph Catholic church initially proposed demolishing the home so they can expand their parish. They have allowed for the formation of the Friends of the Lathrop House of which the membership is primarily composed of parishioners.

Moving the home off site: The Friends of the Lathrop House have initially proposed moving the home off church land in order to allow for room for the school. There is some concern that the historically significant portion, the basement, of the house would be destroyed. The Friends of the Lathrop House have changed their opinion towards keeping the home where it is in the recent weeks.

Leaving the home on site: The City of Sylvania an now along with the Friends of the Lathrop House would like to keep the home where it is so the basement will be preserved and to show how the ravine behind the home was used to transport slaves through the community.

Speak out !
Please voice your opinion about the fate of the house to the press and the parties involved.

I have written to all the parties and have taken a neutral and hopefully diplomatic stance on behalf of the family but emphasis our family's gratefulness to all and hope that all will see the value (educational, spiritual) of keeping the home.  (I favor keeping the home where it is) Our efforts and the much greater community efforts thus far to preserve the home will be for naught if the demolition option is seen as the only option. The real winners of this dispute will be the community of Sylvania regardless of opinion. Please help the nay-sayers see the value of keeping the home and the memories contained within. 

The Toledo Blade Opinion section
letters@theblade.com
Include your name, address and phone number with your message.

Mayor Craig A. Stough
City of Sylvania
6730 Monroe Street
Sylvania, Ohio 43560
(419) 885-8925 
(419) 885-8927 Fax

Mayor Craig Stough  city.mayor@sev.org
Keith Haddad:  KmHaddad222@aol.com
John Billis: John@Billis.com
Patrick Kriner:  patrick@pkriner.com 
Todd Milner:  trm430@aol.com 
Bonita Scheidel: bpscheidel@hotmail.com
Barbara Sears:  bsears@nwisinc.net
Dr. Read Backus: read.backus@sev.org
Clerk of Council: city.clerk@sev.org