North Court Street/East

#100 North Court Street, American House Hotel-c.-1828, Now Bi-Centennial Commons, 2015

American House Hotel (1828-1954)

1.  During the 19th Century, the American House Hotel was a location for stage coach travelers to stop as they traveled on the Wooster Pike between Cleveland and Columbus. There they had lodging and a hot meal. They could also get fresh horses to continue on their journey. In the early 1900s, this Victorian-style hotel served as a center for travel, social life, and business in Medina.

American House Hotel, Rufus Ferris, Owner and Prop. (1828-1841)

1.  In 1828, Julius Chidester built the American House Hotel on North Court Street across the street from the Bronson store and sold the property to Rufus Ferris.

American House Hotel, Thomas M. Peebles and Samuel Wilson, Props. (1841-1844)

1.  Rufus Ferris sold the American House Hotel to Thomas E. Peebles and Samuel Wilson in 1841.

American House Hotel, Azaniah M. Barber, Owner and Prop. (1844-1849)

1.  American House Hotel was called the Barber House in 1844 after A. M. Barber purchased it from Thomas M. Peebles.

2.  A. M. Barber ran a stage line from Cleveland to Wooster.

3.  Dr. A.T. Cone was a dentist in A. M. Barber’s hotel in 1846.

4.  Azaniah M. Barber sold the American House Hotel to Sidney M. Root in 1849

American House Hotel, Sidney M. Root, Owner and Prop. (1849-1853)

American House Hotel and Stage Office, P. W. Gibson, Prop. (1854)

1.  In 1854, A. Barber and. Co. have put on a line of stages, making rapid transit between Medina and Cleveland, four horse coach leaves every morning for Grafton station and Wooster at 9 o'clock.

American House Hotel, T. W.  Jones, Prop. (1854-1855)

1.  In 1854 Hiram Ingersoll of Grafton replaces T.W. Jones as proprietor of American House.

American House Hotel, Hiram Ingersoll, Prop (1855-1857)

1.  B. A. Williams operated the American House for Hiram Ingersoll in 1857 

American House Hotel, J. S. Ainsworth, Owner and Prop. (1857-1860)

1.  The American House Hotel was sold at auction to J. S. Ainsworth in 1857.

American House Hotel, William L. Terrill, Owner and Prop. (1860-1867)

1.  William Terrill bought the American House Hotel in 1860 from J. S. Ainsworth.

2.  William Terrill left Medina for Wellington, and then moved to Cleveland in March 1869.

American House Hotel, George W. Hayes, Owner and Prop. (1867-1868)

1.  George W. Hayes purchased the American House Hotel from William L Terrill in 1867.

2.  1868-George W. Jordan, a powerful and fine looking man had his arm shot off while firing cannon in the park on July 4. His arm was amputated in the American House bar room; he was completely stoic and walked home, but made others accompany him to break the news to his wife. 

American House Hotel, W. C. Burt, Owner and Prop. (1868-1869)

1.  G. W. Hayes has sold the American House to W. C. Burt of Granger for $6,000. Mr. Hayes has been given good satisfaction.

American House Hotel, Phillip Warren, Owner and Prop. (1869-1874)

1.  Joe Reno attaché of the American House was killed with a colt navy revolver by Erastus Hitchcock 19, hostler at American House barn in 1872.  His death was a tragic ending of a conspicuous life, for which one year in the penitentiary was regarded a sufficient penalty,

2.  1872-“Old Joe” Reno came to Medina in 1836 and was a baker and porter at the Chidester House, then moved to the American House when William L. Terrell was proprietor there. His mom died at age 104. The age of Joe not known, but some who have known him for 40 years say he's been saying he is 56 or 57 for the last 25 years.

3.  Joe Reno was a typical specimen of the colored race, who always wore pink shirts and went bared-headed on the street.  His obligating spirit over-balanced his conscience and there was nothing a “tip” would not cause him to find for a traveler. 

4.  He kept a barber shop and was a factotum for the American House Hotel.  He was a model of politeness and suavity. 

5.  Joe Reno, a Negro, (name used in those days) voted in the election via the 15th amendment in 1870.

American House Hotel, William H. McConnell and A. W. McConnell, Owners and Props. (1874-1875)

1.  Phillip Warren sold the American House to William H. McConnell for $10,425.  Mr. Warren will continue his livery business in the north stable in 1874.

American House Hotel, Henry W. Patterson, Owner and Prop. (1875-1876)

1.  A. W. McConnell sold the American House to Henry Patterson in 1875.

2.  H. W. Patterson makes substantial improvements by adding addition to the east side, 25” x 40”, removing the old barbershop and building a 2nd story porch in 1875.  C. Tomlinson was project carpenter.

American House Hotel, Austin Hunt, Owner and Prop. (1876-1878)

Reinhardt Bakery and Restaurant, George W. Reinhardt, Prop, (1877-1880)

1.  Reinhardt had bakery and restaurant in the American House from 1877­ to­1880. 

2.  G.W. Reinhardt sold the first stem of bananas in town at the bakery in back of the American House.

American House Hotel, L. Rebman, Prop. (1878-1880)

1.  C. Henri Lane, PhD, MD, Physician for chronic diseases, eye, ear and female diseases has office in the American House in 1880.

American House Hotel, Phillip Warren, Owner and Prop. (1878-1886)

1.  Phillip Warren bought back American House Hotel at a sheriff’s sale for $4,700 in 1878.

American House Hotel, T. B. Byffington, Prop. (1886-1887)

American House Hotel, Lyman E. Tylee, Owner and Prop. (1887-1889)

1.  Lyman E. Tylee, clerk at the American House Hotel has bought that Hotel and will take possession at the expiration of the lease of T. B. Byffington, the present Proprietor in 1887.

American House Hotel, R. S. Shepard, Owner and Prop. (1889-1911)

1.  Work has recently begun to rebuild and remodel the American House Hotel by Owner, R. S. Shepard in 1911.                                                                                        

American House Hotel, Mary C. and James G. Mohn, Owner and Props. (1911-1912)

 1.  R. S. Shepard sold American House Hotel to Mary C. and James G. Mohn, former proprietors of Union House Hotel without furnishings for $11,000 in 1911.

..

American House Hotel, Warren J. Anderson, Owner, (1912-1923)

1.  Mary C. and J. G. Mohn sold the American House Hotel to Warren J. Anderson, livery operator, in 1912.

2.  Owner W. J. Anderson leased it to A. J.  Merillat, an hotelier from Millersburg in 1912.

American House Hotel, Amos Merillat, Prop. (1912–1915)

1.  Owner W. J. Anderson leased the American House operation to Amos Merillat in 1912.

American House Hotel, H. C. Hull, Prop. (1915-1923)

1.  Owner W. J. Anderson leased the American House Hotel operation to H. C. Hull in 1915.

2.  The double decker porch was removed on the south side because it was too badly dilapidated for repair.

3.  Western Union Telegraph Office in the American House, managed by Mrs. Rose Hart from 1918-1926.

4.  Fred Steingass started a taxi service at American House Hotel with a Reo cab in 1924.

September, 1921 the last brick of paving is laid on North Court Street. Hooray, Hooray! Medina Gazette Editorial

1.  After many, many moons, North Court Street is paved. Contractor Mellert and his gang finished the brick lying on the west
side Wednesday of this week, the east side having been completed some time ago.

Friday afternoon is the time set tor opening the street to traffic, but as this must all be done on the east side of the car track and as the pave is not wide enough for vehicles to pass, a set of semaphores will be installed to regulate the flow of traffic.

Tuesday of this week Surveyor Bibbins had the strip wired so semaphores could be operated electrically and a man will be on duty daily, during the entire 24 hours, this being considered better as well as much cheaper than paving a team on hand pulling autos out of the detour as was dose last Tuesday As soon as the curb is finished on the west side and the paving is seasoned
slightly this side will be opened, which will allow normal two-way traffic, and the semaphore system will be discontinued.

American House Hotel, Dr. J. C. Roby, Owner and Prop. (1923-1930)

1.  Warren J. Anderson sold the American House Hotel to Dr. J. C. Roby in 1923.

2.  The American House Hotel brick walls to be painted yellow and striped with brown and white woodwork by local painter, Webb Sprankle in 1923.

3.  From 1924 until the mid-1930’s the “Statesman’s Corner” of the American House Hotel lobby, each fall discussed and “solved” political problems, local, state and national. They viewed with alarm and deplored, many aspects of life in Medina at the time, including operations at City Hall. The Statesman’s Corner was made up of distinguished Republicans and less distinguished, but equally vocal Democrat

4.  Dr. Roby will remodel, straighten up and stuccoed the north annex and remodel the upper rooms of the American House Hotel in 1925.

5.  Hot and cold running water and lavatories was added to each bedroom in the American House in 1926.

American House Restaurant, James M. Herrington, Prop. (1924-1926)

1.  Owner and Proprietor of the White Front Restaurant leased American House Hotel Restaurant in 1924.

2.  In the1920’s and 1930’s the American House had 30 sleeping apartments, a popular dining room that seated 100 where businessmen lunched and families ate dinner for 50 cents and a dime for a tip. The Annex had a bar offering a free lunch, but no ladies allowed. The sidewalk and verandah had easy chairs making it the best hostelry between Cleveland and Mansfield.

American House Hotel, Stephen and Mary Smith, Owner and Props. (1930-1944)

1.  Dr. J. C. Roby and Mabel C. Roby sold the American House Hotel to Stephen A. Smith in 1930.

2.  S.A. Smith bought from J.C. Roby 22 rooms for $80,000 to the north replacing the American House old annex with 55 rooms, each with baths in 1936.

American House Hotel, Stephen and Mary Smith, Owners, (1944-1954)

1.  The lobby of the old 20 room hotel on the northeast corner of Liberty and Court Streets faced the square where the statesmen could relax, look out the big windows and view the daily scene. The lobby had a wood floor and was supplied with cuspidors. Steve Smith and other early proprietors of the hotel, and there were several of these, used to say they didn't make a nickel off the local lobby guests, but that they helped the hotel by making, the place look busy.

2.  Stephen and Mary Smith leased the American House Hotel operations to Frank Ellis in 1944.

American House Hotel, Frank Ellis, Prop. (1944-1954)

American Hotel Coffee Shop, (1948-1952)

Western Union Telegraph Office, Tim Frazier, Mgr. (#100-1/2), (1948-1954)

American House Hotel, (1830-1954)

1.  The American House Hotel was purchased by the Savings Deposit Bank and was raised and replaced with an Auto-Drive Banking and parking lot.

2.  The bank's monthly newsletter from August 1954 described it as a parking lot that "will appear different than any other you have ever seen." The property remained a parking lot for the remainder of the century.

Savings Deposit Bank, Auto-Drive Banking and Parking Lot, (1954–1981)

1.  George C. Walter a Cleveland architect and Ross Trump, of Medina, designed landscaping and decorating for new parking lot.  The Early American treatment was to match park and court house style.

2.  It's "Handy Banking" at the Savings Deposit Bank. The popularity of the Savings Deposit Bank parking lot is indicated in this picture.

3.  At the peak of business over 75 cars are handled in an hour. Notice that the children can get out of the car and go along into the bank without the usual traffic hazards.

4.  Anyone having any transaction at the Savings Deposit Bank may park for that purpose without charge.

Ameritrust Bank, Auto-Drive Banking and Parking Lot, (1981–1992)

Society National Bank, Auto-Drive Banking and Parking Lot, (1993-1996)

Key Bank of Medina, Auto-Drive Banking and Parking Lot, (1997–2010)

Cool Beans Restaurant Drive thru (2010 –2015)

1.  In 2010, the location changed again; the parking lot became a coffee shop named Cool Beans. Its location on the square is ideal for serving the community coffee and snacks. The story of the location of the American Hotel is a good example of how a place can change over time to serve the evolving needs of the community in which it is located.

Bi-Centennial Commons, (2015–Present) 

#104 North Court Street: American Hotel Annex, 1913, Now Bi-centennial Commons-2015



A.  J.  Ervin, Photographer (1886–1887)

Kramer Grocery Store, Jacob F. Kramer, Prop. (1899-1902)

1.  Jacob F. (Will) Kramer, American House grocer, bought the stock of Will L. Sargent in the Barnard Block and will consolidate the two businesses at that location in 1902.

Freidman Clothier and Tailor, Edward H. Freidman, Prop. (1902-1904)

1.  The new model in the American House Hotel Annex will open as E. H. Freidman Company in 1902.

Nelson Confectionary Store (1904-1911)

1.  Nelson the Candy Man to open a confectionary store in the American House Hotel Annex in 1904.

Shane Newsstand and Café (1904-1906)

Harry Shane has moved his News business here and added tobacco, soda water and ice cream in 1904.

A. I. Root driving his Winton electric car on North Court Street

Bowman and Hutchison Auto Supply Company, (1912–1917)

Richard’s Boot and Shoe Repair Shop, (1917–1921)

Medina Shoe Shinning Parlor, Eugene Thomas, Prop. (1921-1923)

1.  As the place where you could, get a shoe .shine and brush-off, worth 20 cents in a city hotel, for 10 cents,

Dr. J. B. Roby, Physician, (1923–1930)

1.  The north wing of American House Hotel to be straightened up and stuccoed in 1923 and the upper rooms and annex remodeled by Dr. Roby, American House Proprietor in 1923.

Nick Daias Shoe Shine Shop, 1930-1933)

1.  Nick added hat- blocking and dressing in 1933.

American Hotel Café, (1933-1934)

1.  The Shoe Shining Parlor is being remodeled by William Schaber, and will be operated as the American Hotel Café. An entrance has been opened into the hotel proper from the Café’ in 1933.

Point of Call Grill, (1934-1947)

1.  The enlarged and remodeled Point-of-Call Grill to reopen in 1934.

American Hotel Grill, (1948–1954)

American House Hotel building demolished for Savings Deposit Bank Parking Lot, (1954)

Savings Deposit Bank, Auto-Drive Banking and Parking Lot, (1954–1981)

Ameritrust Bank, Auto-Drive Banking and Parking Lot, (1981–1992)

Society National Bank, Auto-Drive Banking and Parking Lot, (1993-1996)

Key Bank of Medina, Auto-Drive Banking and Parking Lot, (1997–2010)

Cool Beans Restaurant Drive thru (2010 –2015)

Bi-Centennial Commons, (2015–2018)

#106 North Court Street: American House Hotel Annex,-1913



Rieder Upholstery Shop, John Rieder, Prop. (1913–1921)

1.  John Rieder is specializing in leather work in 1916. 

Medina Candy Kitchen, Anton Horvath, prop. (1922-1924)

1.  Anton Horvath moved his Candy Kitchen business to #103 Princess Block in 1924

 F. C. Bartunek Tailor and Dry Cleaning, F. C. Bartunek, Prop. (1924–1932)

1.  Frank Bartunek moved his tailor shop to one door north of the American House Hotel in 1924).

2.  Frank Bartunek the tailor out of the American House Hotel Annex in 1932.

Buckeye Stages Bus Company, (1933-1935)

1.  A Ticket Office and waiting room for the Buckeye Stages Bus Company and 15 busses moved here in 1933.

2.  Buckeye Stages Bus Company left the American House Hotel in 1935.

The Greyhound Bus Station and Ticket Office (1935-1942)

1.  Greyhound Bus Station and Ticket Office moved to #109 West Washington Street in 1942.

Libby’s Cotton Shoppe, (1937–1939)

Medina Fruit and Vegetable Market, Phillip Friedman, Prop. (1940–1941)

Better Dress Shop, Eve Schwartz, Prop. (1942–1945)

1.  Eva Rickel Schwartz operated a dress shop in the room vacated by Medina Fruit Market in 1941.

2.  The Better Dress Shop moved to #226 South Court Street in 1945.

Vacant or Proprietors Unknown, (1946-1953)

Building demolished for Savings Deposit Bank Parking Lot, (1954)

Savings Deposit Bank, Auto-Drive Banking and Parking Lot, (1954–1981)

Ameritrust Bank, Auto-Drive Banking and Parking Lot, (1981–1992)

Society National Bank, Auto-Drive Banking and Parking Lot, (1993-1996)

Key Bank of Medina, Auto-Drive Banking and Parking Lot, (1997–2010)

Cool Beans Restaurant Drive thru (2010–2015)

Bi-Centennial Commons, (2015–Present)

#108 North Court Street: American House Hotel Annex-1913, Now Bi-centennial Park- 2015



Braden Barber Shop, D. D. Braden, Prop., Floyd Pelton, Jerry Snell, Barbers, (1914-1916)

Handchey’s Barbershop, Edward Handchey, Prop. (1917–1920)

1.  Handchey formed a partnership with Braden and moved across the street to the south side of the Sentinel building in 1921.

Hunt Barber Shop, Bernard Hunt, Prop. (1920-1921)

Sam’s Barber Shop, Sam Holland, Prop.  (1922–1926)

1.  Although Cleveland barbers recently have raised their prices, Medina shops will remain at their old prices of 25 cents for a shave and 50 cents for a haircut.

Beck and Tooker Barber Shop, (1926–1927)

Beck’s Barber Shop, John Beck, Prop. (1927–1951)

1.  1936-on the Court Street side of the hotel at 108 and not far from the statesman's corner was John Beck's popular barbershop. Many of Beck's customers — Maynard Pelton, Phil Friedman, X.L. Hess, Sid Lance, Charley Warren, Guy Anderson and others would stop by occasionally to join the statesmen and give them an assist on political questions.

Dale’s Barber Shop, Dale R. Heiges, Prop. (1952-1953)

American House Hotel building demolished for Savings Deposit Bank Parking Lot, (1954)

Savings Deposit Bank, Auto-Drive Banking and Parking Lot, (1954–1981)

Ameritrust Bank, Auto-Drive Banking and Parking Lot, (1981–1992)

Society National Bank, Auto-Drive Banking and Parking Lot, (1993-1996)

Key Bank of Medina, Auto-Drive Banking and Parking Lot, (1997–2010)

Cool Beans Restaurant Drive thru (2010 –2015)

Bi-Centennial Commons, (2015–Present)

#110 North Court Street: American House Hotel Livery and Stables, Circa-1874, Acme Bldg.-1922



Faust Livery and Feed Stable, A. D. Faust, Prop. (1874–1876)

1.  Drawing in 1874 Atlas, at American House says “good livery in connection with omnibus to and from the Electric Cars in 1874”.

Warren Livery Stables, Phillip Warren, Prop. (1872–1885)

Warren and Jackson Livery Stables, George E. Warren and O. H. Jackson, Props. (1885-1886)

Warren Livery Stables, Ephra and George E. Warren, Prop. (1886–1902)

1.  1893-George repurchased the stables consisting of three barns.  The main building is used for carriages, harness rooms and offices is 120’ x 60’ and the two horse barns are each 80’ x 40’ making a total of 13,600 square feet at Mr. Warren’s disposal.

2.  One horse in his livery is “Colonel”, an Indiana Blue Bull pacer, with a mark of 2:29 and another is of Kentucky breeding.

3.  Ephra and George Warren to sell livery at American House Hotel in 1900.

4.  Ephra and George Warren left American House Hotel barn which has been rented to C. M. Fenn in 1902.

Charles M. Fenn Livery Stables, Charles M. Fenn, Prop. (1902–1911)

1.  Charles M. Fenn moved livery stock to new location at the rear of the American House Hotel.

2.  Fenn added electric lights in 1902 and new concrete front on the livery barn, with work performed by John Crofoot in 1906. C. M. Fenn has a new livery barn in 1906.

Davis Livery Stables, C. F. Davis, Prop. (1911–1913)

1.  Davis continues the blacksmith business in the C. M. Fenn barn on North Court Street in 1911.

2.  C. F. Davis bought the livery and feed business of Allen F. Hange which Hange bought from Charles M. Fenn and Davis took charge in 1911.

3.  C. F. Davis had an auction at his barn also known as the Charles M. Fenn barn in 1913.

Bart and Company Livery and Feed Stables, Charles M. Bart, Prop. (1913-1920)

The Old American House Hotel Livery and Stable at #110 North Court Street was torn down in 1921.

1.  Clement Company and Paul Anderson will build a Grocery store for Fred Albrecht Grocers of Akron on the Edwards-Law Lot just north of American House in 1922, 2 store rooms (1 to rent).

2.  Lot is only 45’ wide, so 5’ will be taken for a driveway and five feet of American House will be torn off for their half of the driveway.

Acme Food Store, W. E. Murphy, Manager, (1922-1923)

Acme Food Store, Lee Lind, Manager, (1923-1927)

Acme Food Store, Floyd Blair, Manager, (1927-1930)

Acme Food Store, C. K. J. Rylander, Manager, (1930-1939)

1.  A new meat market in Acme Store with Steve Veres as Manager in 1935.

2.  Lucille and Clare O. Davenport bought the brick business block owned and occupied by Acme, in 1939.                                                                       

3.  James B. Palmquist bought former Acme block from C. A. Davenport who had just bought it from the Albrecht’s in 1939.

Woodward’s IGA Market, Clifford Padgett, Prop. (1940–1941)

1.  The IGA Market in 1940 was where Acme was for 16 yrs.

2.  Clifford Padgett sold business to Vernon Horton in 1941, but bought it back 5 months later.

3.  Clifford Padgett sold the business to R. O. Bowman and will work for him in 1942.

Medina Fruit and Vegetable Market, Phillip Friedman, Prop. (1941-1945)

1.  Phil Friedman moved Medina Fruit Market from American House Annex to part of Woodward IGA in the former Acme building in 1941.

Boston Department Store Annex, Louis Jacobs, Prop. (1946–1954)                                                                           

1.  In 1953 The Savings Deposit Bank bought the Albrecht block from Marie Mayer widow of Frank Mayer former owners of Medina Bakery.

Savings Deposit Bank Auto-Drive Banking and Parking Lot, (1954–1981)

1.  The Albrecht Block was torn down to make way for the new Savings Deposit Bank Auto-Drive Banking and Parking Lot.

Ameritrust Bank, Auto-Drive Banking and Parking Lot, (1981–1992)

Society National Bank, Auto-Drive Banking and Parking Lot, (1993-1996)

Key Bank of Medina, Auto-Drive Banking and Parking Lot, (1997–2010)

Cool Beans Restaurant Drive thru (2010-2015)

Bi-Centennial Commons, (2015–Present)

#112 North Court Street: Acme Block-1922

The Old American House Hotel Livery and Stables at #110 North Court Street were torn down in 1921.

1.  Fred Albrecht grocers of Akron will build a Grocery store on the Edwards-Law Lot just north of American House Hotel Annex in 1922, 2 store rooms (1 to rent). Lot is only 45’ and 5’ will be taken for driveway with five feet of American House torn off for their half of the driveway.

Medina Cash Market, Roy Loutzenheiser, Prop. (1925–1935)

1.  Medina Cash Market owned by Roy Loutzenheiser since 1925

Fairmont’s Ice Cream Shop, (1936-1939)

Minnick Beauty Salon, Lavern Minnick, Prop. (1939–1940)

1.  Mrs. Durham gave up her position at the Art Shop and purchased the Beauty Parlor. Miss Evelyn Cahoon an operator will be the Manager.

Lady Ann Beauty Salon, Thelma Durham, Prop. (1940–1953)

1.  Thelma Dirham has been advertising for a new name for her beauty shop and some of the replies she received were, in the least, surprising.  How are these? Dirham Beauty Barracks; Dirham’s Corral, and the worst of all, Bull dirham’s Beauty Barn

Savings Deposit Bank, Auto-Drive Banking and Parking Lot, (1954–1981)

Ameritrust Bank, Auto-Drive Banking and Parking Lot, (1981–1992)

Society National Bank, Auto-Drive Banking and Parking Lot, (1993-1996)

Key Bank of Medina, Auto-Drive Banking and Parking Lot, (1997–2010)

Cool Beans Restaurant Drive thru (2010 –2015)

Bi-Centennial Commons, (2015–Present)

#120 North Court Street: Fenn Bldg.-1906



Tylee Feed and Livery Stables, Lyman Tylee, Prop. (1887-1889)

Shepard Feed and Livery Stables, R. S. Shepard, Prop. (1889-1904)

C. M. Fenn Livery Stables, Charles M. Fenn, Prop.  (1904–1910)

1.  Charles M. Fenn bought the sheds that were in back of A. Lutz’s restaurant on West Liberty Street and moved them here in 1904.

2.  Charles M. Fenn bought American House Stables from R. S. Shepard in 1904.

3.  Charles Fenn had three livery stables in the Village.

4.  C.M. Fenn Livery, carriages for funerals and weddings in 1901.

5.  C. M. Fenn builds a new livery barn in 1906. 

Medina Automobile Garage, Albert Fretter, Prop. (1910–1913)

1.  C. M. Fenn Livery Barn to be remodeled for The Medina Garage for automobiles with an addition 36’x 64’ and made fireproof.

Western Reserve Garage, W. E. Bowman, Prop. (1913–1915)

1.  W. E. Bowman sold out his implement line at Western Reserve Garage in 1915.

Western Reserve Garage, Paul VanEpp, Manager, (1916-1916)

1.  Western Reserve garage managed by Paul VanEpp in 1916,

Western Reserve Garage, Walter B. Alderfer, Prop. (1916-1917)

1.  W. E. Bowman sold Western Reserve Garage to Walter B. Alderfer Studebaker in 1916.

2.  S. W. Anderson plumbing left Western Reserve garage in 1916.

Western Reserve Garage, H. C. Averill, Prop. (1917-1923)

1.  Walter Alderfer sold the Western Reserve Garage to H. C. Averill Studebaker and Buick in 1917.

Medina Vulcanizing Shop, George Eades, Prop. (1916-1919)

Brandow Auto Repairing Shop, Frank Brandow, Prop. (1920-1923)

1.  Myra B. and Frank Brandow purchased the shop occupied by George Eades, Medina Vulcanizing Shop in 1919 and will occupy it with auto trimming works, giving up remainder of his vehicle business in 1920. 

2.  Charles M. Fenn sold the building and part-lot 86 to Jennje Lamphear in 1922.

Huddleston Dodge Dealership, Roy F. Huddleston, Prop.  (1923–1928)

1.  Ray F. Huddleston, a Dodge Dealer, bought the Western Reserve Garage business from H. C. Averill in 1923.

2.  Ray F. Huddleston leased Dodge agency and built a new service station east side of North Court Street just north of Homestead Street in 1929.

#120 North Court Street: Fenn Bldg.-1906, Brandow Bldg.-North Side



Nu Kone Ice Cream Shop, (1928-1929)

Seymour Barber Shop, M. Seymour, Prop. (1928-1929)

1.  Seymour Barbershop moved to left side of the Lamphear Block in 1928.

Starr Radio Shop, J. G. Salisbury, Manager, (1929-1930)

Averill and Wainwright Floral Shop, Philla Averill and Mrs. F. L. Wainwright, Props. (1930-1930)

M. T. Wright Store, Robert Searles, Prop. (1931-1933)

1.  M. T. Wright’s moved to the Lamphear Block, 5/7th door north of the American House Hotel in 1931.

Prushka Restaurant, Albert Prushka, Prop. (1933-1935)

#120 North Court Street: Fenn Bldg.-1906, Lamphear Bldg.-1922, South Side



Lamphear Restaurant, Jennie Lamphear, Prop. (1922-1923)

1.  Charles M. Fenn sold the building and part-lot 86 to Jennie Lamphear in 1922.

Lamphear Restaurant, Ray Loomis, Prop. (1923-1925)

Lamphear Restaurant, W. O. Kindig and Brian Case, Props. (1926-1929)

1.  W. O. Kindig bought the Lanphear Restaurant in 1926 and Bryan Case will manage.

2.  Medina Restaurant pancakes are made with milk and don't forget our hamburger, cakes, pies and our home cooking. And remember that our kitchen is always open for your inspection.

Musch Pool Room, George Musch, Prop. (1928-1933)

1.  Alfred Sedgwick sold his pool room to George Musch who moved it to the rear of the Lamphear Block in 1928.

Medina Restaurant, Coland Dague, Prop. (1929-1930)

1.  We specializing in oysters any style and hamburger sandwiches for 5 cents in 1930. 

Medina Restaurant, C. V. Spahr and Frank L. Patterson, Props. (1930-1938)

1.  Medina Restaurant new manager is ‘Heine’ Stapleton, the chef at American House Hotel Restaurant in 1932

Trotter’s Sandwich Shop, (1939-1944) 

Anderson Restaurant, Guy Anderson, Prop. (1945-1956)

1.  Guy Anderson’s Restaurant opened on the site of where the Medina Restaurant was in 1933.

Medina Restaurant, Coland Dague and Irma Gift, Props. (1957-1962)

Medina Tractor Sales Company, (1963-1978)

1.  Frank and Edith Brandow sold part-lot 86 and building to Ray Hollopeter of Medina Tractor Sales in 1963.

Viking Inn Restaurant, (1978-1981)

#120 building demolished in 1982.

Ameritrust Bank Auto-Drive and Parking Lot, (1982-2018)

#124 North Court Street: Fenn Bldg.-1906



Fenn Livery Stables, Charles M. Fenn, Prop. (1906-1910)

1.  Charles M. Fenn builds a new 24’ x 50’ building north of Medina Garage and on the north part-Lot 86 one lot north on North Court Street in 1906.

Gilbert Blacksmith Shop, John R. Gilbert, Prop. (1911-1917)

1.  Fenn building on North Court Street rented to J.R. Gilbert, blacksmith, because he needs more room than Davis did 1911,

2.  Gilbert is son-in-law of Charles Davis. Davis sold to J.R. Gilbert in 1911; all kinds of wood work, horse shoeing and rubber tiring a specialty in 1911.

Huffman and Fordham Blacksmith Shop, John Huffman and William Fordham, Props. (1917-1920)

1.  John Huffman and William Fordham bought J. R. Gilbert’s blacksmith shop across the street from Hanshue and they also will vulcanize tires 1917.

Brandow Sohio Service Station, Frank Brandow, Prop. (1921-1938)

1.  Charles M. Fenn sold the north part-lot #86 to Frank and Myra Brandow in 1928.

2.  Frank Brandow moves his building back to the east end of the lot to make room for gas pump service in 1929.  

3.  Brandow has Super-service Gas Station and Dodge showroom in 1929.

4.  Hanshue Auto leased part of Brandow’s Service Station to sell Willys, Chrysler and Plymouth. Hanshue will occupy a large show room, with interior remodeled and redecorated, Brandow to stay in 1934.

Auto Service Inc. Wade Blough, T. C. England and Ray Ewing, Props. (1938-1939)

1.  Brandow sold his renovated business to Auto Service Inc., Wade Blough, T.C. England and Ray Ewing in 1938.

2.  Roy Kruggel and Albert Noah sold the Sohio Gas Station, formerly Frank Brandow’s to Bob Leidorf of Medina Auto Sales in 1941

Medina Welding and Radiator Service, Inc. (1938-1941) 

Auto Service Inc., George Simmerman, Prop. (1939-1945)

1.  George S. Simmerman bought Auto Service Inc. in 1939.

2. Former owner, Ray Ewing took over management of the Auto Service firm on the death of Mr. Simmerman in 1939. 

Patry Implement Store, Maurice Patry, Prop. (1945-1955)

1.  Brandow building rented to Allis-Chalmers farm machinery in 1945.

Industrial Wire Products, Inc., (1955-1959)

1.  Industrial Wire Products in the Frank Brandow property employs 25 in 1955.

Towne House Restaurant, (1960-1968)

Erikas Gaststatte Restaurant, (1969-1973)

Tom’s Carpet Barn, (1974-1976)

Medina Carpet Center, (1976-1977)

Medina Paint and Wall Paper Store, William and Shirley Lang, Props. (1978-2001)  

Corner Pocket, Inc, (2002-2004)

Vacant, (2005-2006)

Education Counts, (2007-2007)

Vacant, (2008-2009)        

SHC The Link, (2010-2014)

Amer Court Services, (2015-Present)      

#126 North Court Street, Bishop Property, 1873

Bishop Carriage Works, Abner and Adam Bishop, Props. (1873–1923)

In 1873, a new carriage factory 22’ x 100’ attached to a 14’ x 22’ 2 story frame house was built by the Gruningers Brothers north of the American House Hotel on Lot 87 for the Bishop Brothers from Wayne County.

1.  Abner Bishop came to Medina in 1872, a wholesale and retail merchant and Civil War Veteran, to establish a blacksmith shop and wagon and carriage manufacturing business with Brother Adam

2.  Abner Bishop bought the old wooden Episcopal Church for $225 built in 1837 and moved it here as addition to his other carriage and wagon factory buildings in 1884.

3.  Peter Funk has cheap jewelry auction in the south room of the Bishop Carriage building in 1877.

4.  Bishop Brothers built a new workshop on the south side of present carriage factory and will use the entire lower story of present building for a store room for new work, making carriages, buggies, wagons every day in 1880.

5.  Bishop Brothers added a horseshoeing business to their carriage shop in 1880.

6.  A 20’ x 50’ warehouse addition at Bishop Brothers will house a steam machine shop at rear for D. A. Wells in 1881.

7.  Bishop Brothers enlarged carriage works and store room for selling everything from wheelbarrows to double wagons and space for a large blacksmith shop and machine shop in 1882.

8.  “The leading product of Bishop’s enterprise is the “Bishop Buggy”, which owning to its durability and easy riding, has gained a wide popularity in other states as well as in Ohio.”

9.  Mr. Bishop also deals extensively in farm implements and machinery of all kinds, having the general agency for all this section for the Deering, the Osburn, Walter Wood and the Enterprise Companies.

10.  D. A.  Wells moved his machine shop to rear of Bishops blacksmith shop in 1883.

“Abner B. Bishop has lately delivered one of his patent buggies to Dr. H. F. Bigger of Cleveland, Ohio.  Everyone who rides in one of these buggies is delighted, and they attract the attention of every observer.”     Gazette, August 24, 1888

11.  Bishop Carriage Works employ 9 or 10 hands and turn out about 25 carriages or wagons per year in 1878.

12. A N. Robinson sells corn cribs at A. B. Bishop Carriage Shop in 1913.

The old 1873 building on North Court nearly opposite the interurban station belonging to the Abner Bishop’s heirs was gutted by fire in 1923 and was torn down.

13.  The old building siding was used on a new house at Chippewa Lake and the rafters were used in a new barn on the South Pike

Bader Dining Car Restaurant, Larry Bader, Prop. (1925-1928)

1.  Diner established in 1925 by Larry Bader, one of first in area of the diner style.

2.  Larry Bader sold his Dining Car Restaurant to Norman Clark who closed his restaurant and confectionary store on South Court Street in 1928.

Clark Diner, Norman and Ethel Clark, Prop. (1928–1945)

1.  In 1936, Norman Clark bought lot 87 from the Abner B. Bishop Estate.

2.  In 1941, Norman E. Clark owner of Clark Diner ordered an up-to-date diner from the Jerry O’Mahoney Company of Elizabeth, NJ.  

3.  The Diner building was 45’ long, 17’ longer than the current one. The Diner had 16 stools instead of 13 plus 4 tables built in. A kitchen was constructed at the rear of the Diner.

Clark Diner, Duane Clark, Prop. (1946-1955)

1.  In 1948, Norman Clark sold north part-lot 87 to Ray Holopeter.

2.  Improvements to Clark’s diner included a blacktop drive and new sign and 10’ added to kitchen at rear of the Diner in 1953. An attractive fence was added around the front parking area in 1953.

3.  Null’s Diner makes their own dough-nuts in 1954,

4.  Null’s Diner added parking space at rear in 1954 by tearing down a building.

Null’s Diner and Colonial Restaurant, Robert Null, Prop. (1956-1964)

1.  Local Contractor Nick Fetzer builds a new early American style dining room addition that seats 120 diners at the rear in 1956.

2.  Nulls has old fashioned diner in front with Dining Room at rear have walls decorated with old sheet music in 1974.

Null’s Colonial Dining, Robert Null, Prop. (1964-1978)

Ganim’s Restaurant, (1978-1981)

The Gazebo Saloon and Restaurant, (1982-1999)

Cancun Mexican Restaurant, (2000-2004)

Vacant, (2005-2006)

Education Counts, (2007-2007)

Insured Closing, (2008-2010)

SHC the Link, (2011-2011)

Café 411, (2012-2015)

Cups Café, (2014-Present)

#132 North Court Street: Bishop Block-1916

In 1916, a 34’ x 60’ 2 story building with a basement was built just north of the old building as an addition to the Bishop Carriage works.

Frank Brandow Autos, Carriages, Wagons and Repairing, (1916-1920)

Medina Vulcanizing Shop, George Eades, Prop. (1920-1922)

1.  George Eades moved Medina Vulcanizing Shop to old Bishop Block and traded locations with Frank Brandow vehicle trimming works in 1920. 

Medina Fruit and Confectionery Market, B. B. Parcenue, Prop. (1922-1928)

1.  1928-the Bishop building on North Court Street, twice before attacked by flames, suffered heavy damage early Sunday morning. Damage of a few hundred dollars was done to Medina Fruit ad Vegetable, however close to $1,000 was occasioned to Stephen Paul operating the Medina Home Bakery next door.

Reutter and Rose, R. F. Reutter and Arthur Rose, Props. (1929-1935)

1.  Arthur Rose sold his ½ interest in business to R. F. Reutter in 1935.

R. F.  Reutter, (1935-1937)

Nourse’s Flower Shop, Ralph Nourse, Prop. (1938-1940)

1.  Nourse moved here from 110 West Washington Street in 1938.

Quality Shoe Store, (1940-1941)                   

Vacant Lot, free parking lot, (1976-2018)

#134 North Court Street: Bishop Block-1916

In 1916, a 34’ x 60’ 2 story building with a basement was built just north of the old building as an addition to the Bishop Carriage works.



Robinson Restaurant, A. N. Robinson, Prop. (1916-1919)

1.  A. N. Robinson to lease A. B. Bishop store for a restaurant in 1916.

Gordon Shoe Repair, Lewis Gordon, Prop. 2nd Floor, (1920–1927)

1.  Lewis Gordon rented a vacant store room in the Bishop Block for shoe repair and vulcanizing of rubber items in 1922.

2.  Earl Funk Restaurant and Lewis Gordon Shoe repair on 2nd floor painted and renovated in 1924.

3.  Lewis Gordon stopped selling dress shoes, just repair work in 1927.

Funk Restaurant, Earl Funk, Prop. (1920–1923)

1.  Earl Funk and John Jason (mail carrier) rented north ½ of Bishop Block. Funk restaurant in front and Jason pool room at rear in 1920.

2.  The two stores and 2nd floor rentals on North Court Street nearly opposite the interurban station belonging to Abner Bishop’s heirs was gutted by fire in 1923.

3.  Earl Funk business burned out in Bishop Fire in 1923 moved into the Princess Block Restaurant.

Medina Home Bakery, Alex Barnhardt, Prop. (1924-1927)

1.  Alex Barnhardt opened the Medina Home Bakery in 1924.

2.  Four suites on 2nd floor of the new Bishop Block opposite Electric Station are for rent by F. E. Lacroix in 1925.

Medina Home Bakery, Stephen Paul, Prop. (1927–1937)

1.  The 2 story frame Bishop building burned housing Medina Home Bakery and Medina Fruit and Vegetable Market across from Cl SW station; The whole back end a mass of flames causing $200 damage to the property owned by Abner Bishop heirs of Cleveland in 1928.

San-A-Bake Shop, Robert F. and Frank More, Props. (1937–1942)

1.  David Bielfelt has a baker route in 1938-1941.

Medina Bakery, Frank Mayer, Prop. (1942–1947)

Medina Bakery, Frederick Reiss and Joseph Johanni, Props. (1948-1954)

1.  Bakery closed in 1954 due to lack of parking.

Vacant Lot, free parking lot, (1955-Present)

#140 North Court Street: Hard Residence,-1859, Walker Bldg.-1936, Medina Tractor Sales Bldg.–1945



Dr. Edward G. Hard Residence, (1859-1936)

Richards Cobbler and Shoe Repair Shop, Thomas Richards, Prop. (1928-1929)

Zsarney Shoe Repair Shop, Victor and Joseph Zsarney, Props. (1929-1936)

1.  Joseph Zsarney moved his shoe repair shop to the Warner building at #109 West Washington Street in 1936.

Western Reserve Power and Light Company, (#140) (1929–1931)

Ohio Edison Company, (#140) (1931-1933)

1.  Electric Light Plant used to blow a whistle to let people know when the juice would be turned on.

2.  The Dr. E. G. Hard lot #88 was sold to Norman E. Walker for $6,000 in 1936.

3.  A new large garage building was constructed by Norman E. Walker at North Court and E. Friendship Streets in 1936.

4.  Ohio Edison Company moved their offices to #117 North Side Public Square in 1933.

Hoff and Fisher Tires, Lawrence E. Hoff and Harold Fisher, Prop. (1937-1941) 

1.  Donna and Laurence E. Hoff and Harold Fisher dissolved their partnership in 1941.  

Schmidt Brothers Texaco, Walter and Clinton Schmidt, Props.140), (1936-1977)

1.  Walter Schmidt, a 12 year employee of the AC&Y Railroad owned the Texaco gas station  for 16 years  with his brother Clinton "Schmitty" Schmidt, till his death in 1952.

2.  A lifetime resident of Medina, Mr. Waltz was an excellent auto mechanic who worked for the Russian Brothers Garage in 1930, then at his own garage until 1936 when he went to work for the Schmidt Brothers Texaco Station. He was an honest, knowledgeable, and thorough mechanic who worked for Schmidt's until he retired at the age of 67 in 1974. Throughout the 1950s to the '70s, when people in Medina heard the Texaco motto, "Trust your car to the man who wears the star," they thought of Harry Waltz. 

Ray Hollopeter purchased the building from Norman E. Walker for $30,000 in 1936.

Joe’s Garage, (#140), (1978-1981)

Mason’s Meat Mart, (#140), (1982-2007)

King Of Parts, (#140), (1988-1997)

Pat’s Computer, (#140), (2010-2016)

#142 North Court Street: Hard Residence,-1859, Walker Bldg.-1936, Medina Tractor Sales Bldg.–1945

Dr. Edward G. Hard Residence, (1859-1936)

1.  The Dr. E. G. Hard lot #88 was sold to Norman E. Walker for $6,000 in 1936.

2.  A new large garage building was constructed by Norman E. Walker at North Court and E. Friendship Streets in 1936.

Miracle Water of Medina, (#142), (1974-1978)

Mechanics Parts House, (#142), (1978-1985)

Medina Music, (#142), (1992–2014)

Fabric Obsession, (#142), (2016-Present)

1.  We have everything from fabric by the yard to full kits.

#144 North Court Street: Hard Residence,-1859, Walker Bldg.-1936, Medina Tractor Sales Bldg.–1945



Dr. Edward G. Hard Residence, (1859-1936)

1.  The Dr. E. G. Hard lot #88 was sold to Norman E. Walker for $6,000 in 1936.

2.  A new large garage building was constructed by Norman E. Walker at North Court and E. Friendship Streets in 1936.

Swain Motors Dodge and Plymouth Dealer, Norman W. Walker and Seth J. Swain, Props. (#144), (1936-1942)

1.  Seth Swain moved his auto business to West Washington Street and South Elmwood in 1942.

Walker Sales and Auto Repair, Norman W. Walker, Prop. (1942-1945)

Medina Tractor Sales Company, Ray Hollopeter Family, Props. (#144), (1945–1955)

1.  Ray Hollopeter purchased the building from Norman E. Walker for $30,000 in 1945.

Medina Tractor Sales Company, Sheldon and Glenn Hollopeter, Prop. (#144), (1955-1989)

Mr. C’s Donuts, (#144), (1990-1998)

Car Parts Medina, (#144), (1998-1999)

Donut Delight, (144), (1999-1999)

Donut Scene, (#144), (2000–2005)

Bam Bam’s Backyard BBQ, (#144), (2006-2008)

Michelle’s Place, (#144), (2009–2019))

Wrecking Crew Brew Works, Tap Room, Ryan Primiano and Robert Vokac, Prop., (2020-Present)

1. Wrecking Crew Brew Works is a small production brewery brewing amazing ales since 2018 at 432 West Friendship Street by founding fathers, Ryan and Bob.