South Court Street/East, #250-#282
#250 South Court Street: Eagle Hotel-c.-1860, Brenner House Bldg.-1879
Eagle Hotel, Ephraim Brenner, Prop. (1860-1879)
1. In 1860, Ephraim Brenner began the hotel business, and though he was burned out of hotel and business in the great fire of that year, he has been identified with each ever since, building a large brick hotel in 1879. Socially, Mr. Brenner is a genial gentleman, and has a large and intimate circle of friends.
Faust Livery Stables, A. D. Faust, Prop. (1875-1897)
1. Faust operates a livery office with feed and stables at the rear of the Eagle Hotel and carries the mail and passengers to and from the Depot, Hotels, and residences and into the country.
Schlabach Livery and Stables, B. F. Schlabach, Prop. (1897-1900)
Cannon Livery and Stables, Perry Cannon, Prop. (1900-1916)
1. Perry Cannon livery sold to son-in-law Seth J. Swain in 1900.
2. Perry Cannon left livery business “at his barn” in 1916.
Brenner House Rental Apartments, (1879-Present)
1. Ephraim Brenner is putting up an addition to his house to give him room to accommodate his increasing patronage and is well under way in 1877.
2. 1879 - The new Brenner House will be thrown open to the public Saturday evening and E. Brenner and wife cordially invite everyone to come and see them. Price of the supper is 50 cents.
A recent representative list of renters from 1976:
Joseph Stanek Renter, (1976-1978)
Chelsie L. Bailes, Renter, (1976-1978)
Mark Call, Renter, (1976-1978)
Richard Detamore, Renter, (1976-1979)
David Neal, Renter, (1976-1988
K. S. Kramer Renter, (1978-1979)
David M. Garens Renter, (1978-1979)
E. A. Clay Renter, (1978-1979)
Sue Walker Renter, (1978-1979
B. Romanotto Renter, (1979-1981)
Darlene Erb Renter, (1982-1985)
Daniel Franz Renter, (1982-1985)
Keith E. Garnes Renter, (1985-1988)
Robert Keaton Renter, (1988-2011)
Kenneth Marco Renter, (1988-1991)
David W. Nolan Renter, (1988-1991)
Larry E. Steiner Renter, (1988-1991)
George Piero Renter, (1988-1991)
Ronald Piero Renter, (1991-1992)
Jason E. Foose Renter, (1991-1997)
Kimberly Hastings Renter, (1991-1993)
Byron Foster Renter, (1991-1992)
Carolyn Bessmer Renter, (1991-1993)
Monica D. Drotleff Renter, (1993-1995)
Byron Foster Renter, (1993-1995)
Jeffery W. O’Donnell Renter, (1993-1994)
M. Steele Renter, (1993-2000)
John Cassidy Renter, (1995-1996)
K. A. Conrad Renter, (1995-1996)
S. Leiby Renter, (1995-1997)
C. Shute Renter, (1995-1997)
John Dietsch Renter, (1998-1999)
Ryan English Renter, (1998-1999)
Douglas Zeal Renter, (1998-2001
James Cook Jr Renter, (1999-2003)
James Huth Renter, (2000-2001)
Milt Marshall Renter, (2002-2003)
Julie Plato Renter, (2002-2004)
Alfred E. Staples Renter, (2002-2003)
Theresa Szczerban Renter (2003-2013)
Keith A. Horton Renter, (2002-2002)
Jason Reed Renter, (2006-2008)
William J. Kappy Renter, (2010-2013)
Scott Keith Renter, (2010-2013)
David Fowler Renter, (2011-2013)
Michelle Schaffer Renter, (2012-2013)
Virgil Daniel Renter, (2012-2013)
Elisa Woods Renter, (2012-2014)
Keith Hakorten Renter, (2012-2013)
Vacant, (2014-2017)
Nicholas Twinning Renter, (2018-Present)
Robert Cantrell Renter, (2018-Present)
Melisa Cornell Renter, (2018-Present)
Michael Ash Renter, (2018-Present)
#254 South Court Street: Griesinger Block–1917
1. In 1916, James Burr sold the vacant lot on South Court between the Cannon store and the Methodist Church to E.P. Hartman.
2. William E. Griesinger bought lot north of Methodist church which was recently bought by E.P. Hartman from James Burr 1916.
3. William E. Griesinger is grading the lot hoping to get Medina U. S. Post Office to move here 1916.
4. William E. Griesinger built a large three retail store building on the lot in 1917 when the U.S. Post Office declined his offer.
Erb Meats and Provisions, Andrew Erb, Prop. (1919-1920)
New Medina Market, G. V. Kingsbury, Prop. (1920-1921)
Oatman and Beck Hardware, Alfred Oatman and Alvin Beck, Props. (1921-1927)
1. Alfred Oatman mentor to his longtime Oatman Hardware employee Alvin Beck assisted him in starting his own hardware store in 1921.
2. Alfred Oatman retired in 1927.
Beck Brothers Hardware Store, Alvin L. Beck and William F. “Bill” Beck, Prop. (1928-1952)
1. William F. Beck joined his brother in the new firm, Beck Brothers Hardware in 1928.
Beck Brothers Hardware Store, William F. “Bill” Beck, Prop. (1952-1965)
1. William F. Beck purchased his brother's interest in the store in 1952 upon the retirement of his brother, Alvin L. Beck.
2. Enter the store any day and you would be greeted by Bill sitting in front of his huge, oak, roll-down desk.
3. William F. Beck sold the building to Macy O. Hallock for $35,000 in 1948.
4. In 1956, Bill Beck veteran Medina hardware merchant was presented a gold hammer by the Estwing Manufacturing Company of Rockford, Ill. The honor was bestowed in recognition of Beck’s fifty years of service in the hardware industry.
Vacant, (1966-1967)
New and Used Furniture, (1968-1969)
Vacant, (1970-1973)
Akron Beacon Journal Agency, (1974-1977)
Leatherman Clock and Cabinet Maker, D. E. Leatherman, Prop. (1978-1979)
Vacant (1980-1981)
The Armstrong Utilities Cable Store, (1982-1984)
Vacant, (1985-1987)
Adorable Pets, (1988-1989)
Fording Frank, (1990-1991)
Village Ceramics and Gifts, (1992-1992)
Vacant, (1993-1994)
Association of Computer Consultants, (1995-1995)
Stewart HMS and Deck Company, (1995-1995)
Busy Bodies Dance and Active Wear, (1996-1998)
Medina Trolley’s, (1998-1998)
The Rubber Room, (1999-2003)
Medina United Methhodist Church, (2004-2013)
Castle Noel Registration and Gift Store, Mark Klaus, Prop., (2014–Present)
#256-258 South Court Street: Griesinger Block-1917
1. In 1916, James Burr sold the vacant lot on South Court between the Cannon store and the Methodist Church to E.P. Hartman.
2. William E. Griesinger bought lot north of Methodist church which was recently bought by E.P. Hartman from James Burr 1916.
3. William E. Griesinger is grading the lot hoping to get Medina U. S. Post Office to move here 1916.
4. William E. Griesinger built a large three retail store building on the lot in 1917 when the U.S. Post Office declined his offer.
Erb Meats and Provisions, A. Erb, Pro. (1918–1919)
New Medina Market, F. E. Averill & Son, Props. C. V. Kingsbury, Mgr. (1919–1925)
H. R. H. Grocery Store, L. J. Walter, Prop., Steve Komjati, Mgr. (1925–1933)
1. H. R. H. Grocery Store established in 1919.
Clark Sweet Shoppe, Norman E. Clark, Prop. (1927–1932)
Unknown Proprietors, (1933-1935)
Betty Jane Dress Shop, Jane Preston and Beulah Ryan, Props. (1936–1939)
Artistic Dry Cleaning, (1939–1940)
Ohio Fuel Gas Company, #256, (1943–1953)
State Employment Services, #258, (1948-1951)
Westfield Inc, #258, (1952-1955)
The Beautorium, Vicki and George Lucas, Props. #256, (1956-1966)
Medina Radio and TV, John Schindelholtz, Leland Codding and Stanley Hall, Props. #258, (1954-1967)
Medina Radio and TV, John Schindelholtz, Leland Codding and Stanley Hall, Props. #256-258, (1968-1994)
Medina United Methodist Church, #256-258, (1995-2014)
Castle Noel Alien Vacation Mini Golf Attraction, #256-258, (2015-Present)
#260 South Court Street: Methodist Church, 1839, 1859, 1897
Medina United Methodist Episcopal Church, (1897–2012)
Reverend John Hazzard, (1830-1832)
1. Methodist church was founded Medina and organized by a Methodist circuit rider Rev John Hazarrd at Linas and Mary Thayer home in 1830.
Reverend H. L. Parish and Rev John Ferris (1839-1840)
1 The first Methodist church was built in 1839 where the Fred Renz and Nathan McClure lots were at the corner of Lafayette Road and South Court Street.
2. Mr. A. Champion gave the Methodists $3000 to build on the Montville end of Medina Village and that’s why it’s so far from town center in 1839.
3. S.G. Barnard taught a normal school in the Methodist chapel.
4. By 1840 there were 80 members of the Methodist church.
Reverend S. M. Beatty, (1858-1859)
1. The congregation outgrew the 1839 church so the second Methodist church was built by W. E. Chidester for $2,000 in 1859 on Main Street on the town hill. They built a white framed church 20’ x 60’ with cushioned seats and clusters of kerosene ceiling lamps and a 23’ high tower after the style of the Presbyterian Church in Seville. S.G. Bunker established a singing school in the basement of the Methodist Church in 1859.
Reverend A. R. Palmer, (1872-1873)
1. In 1872, there was a major renovation of the church where the old pulpit was replaced by new low plain stand, the pulpit platform lowered and hanging lamps were replaced with mirrored side lights, aisles carpeted, seat cushions added and the front steps and walk relayed with pine planks.
Reverend B. J. Hoadley, 1874-1875)
1. 1874 - "Elder Michael Shank, formerly pastor of the Baptist, church of this village and an evangelist of the old school, preached in the Methodist church Sunday evening. After he began to warm up to his work, he announced that he believed in being comfortable and pulled off his coat. It has been a long time since fashionable worshipers had the pleasure of hearing the gospel dispensed with by a man in his shirt sleeves."
Reverend H. L. Steves, (1895-1897)
1. On December 27, 1896 the old frame church was destroyed by fire and they received only $2,500 from insurance.
2. Construction was begun on a new church on April 2 1897 by Glanfield and Company of Detroit for $12,500, and the corner stone from the North Amherst quarry, cut by Frank Worden of Weymouth, was laid on May 20, 1897.
3. "On Sunday, Nov. 14, 1897 the new Methodist Episcopal Church was formally dedicated. Special music was rendered by the choir under the direction of A. M. Pulsifer at both morning and evening services. The morning sermon was preached by Rev. B. Ives, D.D. At the conclusion of the sermon a brief statement was made which showed that there was an indebtedness of $3,500.on the church. When the service closed, however the debt had been raised with a surplus of $1,000."
Reverend R. H. Balmer, (1906-1909)
The Methodist Church wooden steps were replaced with concrete steps in 1906.
Reverend Joseph Kenny, (1931-1935)
1. There was no basement under the main part of the building until 1932, when the church basement was excavated by hand and shovel for a fellowship hall and kitchen. This excavation and the renovation of the entire church were accomplished at a cost of $11,000.
Reverend Glenn Cornell, (1945-1946)
1. In 1945 and 1946 the interior of the church was again remodeled and redecorated at a cost of $11,000.
2. The Methodist Church bought a 20’ strip of land just south of the church property from Earle Gibbs, and then graded it for a driveway which will extend around the church and adding 15 parking spaces in 1945.
Reverend Glenn M. Warner, (1952-1959) and Reverend Thomas Cromwell, (1959-1965)
1. In 1956, 1959 and 1963 more complete renovations of the sanctuary, chapel and education building were completed under the direction of two different ministers at a cost of $170,000.
2. In 1959 the Methodist Church also acquired a rear lot on Broadway Street and the entire south lot at the corner of East Smith Road and South Court Street for additional church parking and 86 daily rental public parking spaces.
Reverend Forest G. Nees, (1965-1969)
1. As a result of a substantial growth in the congregation that now numbers over 1200, the Church was remodeled and expanded west to the front walk in April 1967.
2. Since 1956 a total of $310,000 has been spent on church improvements with no indebtedness.
Dr. David J. Tennant, (2001- 2016)
1. In 2014 the congregation of the Medina United Methodist Church moved to their new church located at 4747 Foote Road, Medina.
Vacant, (2012–2014)
Castle Noel Museum and Gallery, Mark Klaus, Prop. (2014–Present)
#270 South Court Street-1844, Rettig House
John A. and Caroline Rettig Residence, (1844-1890)
1. John A. Rettig, 18 years old, came to Medina in 1842 with his family, married Caroline in 1843 and founded Rettig Saddle, Harness and Trunks in 1844 at 233 South Court Street.
2. The John A. Rettig house was built in 1844 and was maintained as a family residence on the part-lot 42 until 1890 when the Rettig estate transferred it to son, Romeo R. Rettig.
Romeo and Richie Rettig Residence, (1890-1924)
1. Romeo and Richie Rettig residence from 1890 to 1924 when the property on part-lo4 42 was sold to R. O. McDowell and Clyde E. Jones.
Clyde E. Jones Residence, (1925-1927)
1. Old landmark Rettig home on South Court was purchased by C. E Jones and Robert McDowell and will improve to make it a habitable rental in 1925.
2. Clyde E. Jones has a gorgeous dahlia garden, with some over 8’ tall in 1926.
R. O. McDowell Rental Property, (1928-1944)
1. The McDowell’s, R. O. and Ella utilized the property for rental income for 16 years
2. In March, 1944 the Ella McDowell estate sold the part-lot 42 property at 270 South Court Street to Bonn Musch.
Bonn Musch Commercial Property, (1944-1945)
1. Bonn Musch bought the old pioneer John A Rettig’s house between the Methodist Church and the Union House Hotel from the Ella McDowell estate and will build an indoor roller skating rink of concrete block, soundproof with air conditioning in 1944,
2. Bonn Musch had the Rettig house demolished by the same contractor that was demolishing the Union House Hotel in 1944.
3. Bonn Musch was unable to get Medina Village Council approval for his commercial project and in April, 1945, sold the property and part-lot 42 to Earle B. Gibbs, adjacent local automobile dealer.
4. Bonn Musch was successful in fulfilling his commercial project by building Medina Skateland Rink at Fenn Corners north of Medina in 1947.
Gibbs Motor Used Car Lot, (1946-1956)
1. The Methodist Church bought a 20’ strip of land just south of the church property on part-lot 42 from Earle Gibbs, and then graded it for a driveway which will extend around the church and adding 15 parking spaces in 1945.
2. The Gibbs Used Car Lot combines a portion of part-lot 42 and full lot 43 purchased from owner of the Union House Hotel, Mrs. Nettie Johnson in 1943 and will have a used car lot there after the war.
#282 South Court Street: Union House Hotel-c.-1856 and 1877
Dennis H. Shaw was the builder and proprietor of the Old Union House Hotel in 1856.
The Union House Hotel, F. Peterson, Prop. (1857–1860)
1. Mr. Peterson kept a tavern in the Old Union House. Old “Peet” Peterson ran the Union House and sold ‘hosses’ on the side.
2. In 1840, William Miller was a tailor in the hotel on the site of the Union House. He married Charley Waters’ daughter, a needlewoman who made many groom’s suits; he died in 1861.
3. Ben Water’s mom and grandfather made clothes in tailor shop in basement in1859.
4. Deacon Jesse Harrington, Temperance lecturer spoke here in1859.
The Union House Hotel, George Moody Shaw, Owner, (1860s
The Union House Hotel, F. Peterson, Prop. (1860–1864)
1. Old “Peet” Peterson ran the Union House and sold ‘hosses’ on the side.
The Union House Hotel, Dennis Shaw, Prop. (1864-1889)
1. Dennis A. Shaw (noted violinist) bought and refurbished the Union House Hotel in1868.
2. Dennis Shaw bought the old church that stood where Judge McClure’s house is now and moved it to the rear of the Union House Hotel. He turned it into a dance hall for regular after supper entertainment of his patrons.
3. 1877-D. H. Shaw is getting his foundation stone from Weymouth Quarry and making the other preparations for building a new hotel on the site of the present house at the foot of Court Street hill. He proposes moving the wings of the present structure built in 1856 back out of the way, and occupying them as a dwelling while he erects the new building. The upright part of his present house will be elevated and otherwise remodeled, to fit the new part to be put up. It will be a good and needed improvement.
4. The Union House is a large and handsome structure at the corner of Smith Road and South Court Street and has 22 fine sleeping rooms. The parlor, dining room and office are pleasantly located on the ground floor. The dinner table is famous for the bill of fare and the House is conducted in a manner to insure the perfect comfort of all guests. The rates are only $1.00 a day, but the service and accommodations are equal to those of many higher priced houses.
5. Albert Curtiss has a new shop in Union House basement for harness work in 1880.
The Union House Hotel, N. E. Shaw, Prop. (1890–1891)
1. 1890 - "The Union House Hotel has recently passed under new management. N. E. Shaw, a well-known business man of Lodi, being at the head of the establishment."
The Union House Hotel, Arbor A. Gish, Prop. (1891–1893)
1. Mr. Gish, the popular landlord, has had long experience in the hotel business, having conducted a house in Steubenville, Ohio and a restaurant in Cleveland prior to coming to Medina. After running the Union Hotel from 1891 to 1893, he conducted the American House in this city and he is widely known to the traveling public.
2. Mr. Gish is a native of Litchfield and previous to entering the hotel business; he had a livery stable and was engaged in jobbing and contracting. He is an amiable gentleman, courteous and obligating to all and he is much pleased at the efforts that are being made to promote the growth and importance of Medina.
The Union House Hotel, Martha J. and Perry Cannon and Son, Props. (1894-1897)
1. Perry Cannon was a Civil War veteran and owned a 133 acre farm in Montville Township.
The Union House Hotel, Mary A. and W. H. Zimmerman, Prop. (1897–1898)
1. W. H. Zimmerman, well known as the ex-superintendent of the Medina County Infirmary, has leased the Union Hotel for a period of three years.
2. Perry Cannon left Union Housel in 1897 and Zimmerman transferred the lease to Mary Gish in 1898.
The Union House Hotel, Arbor A. Gish, Prop. (1898–1901)
1. Traveling men and the people of Medina County who have occasion to visit the county seat have greeted with pleasure the return of Mr. A. A. Gish to the proprietorship of the Union Hotel, which he conducted so successfully from 1890 to 1893. Mr. Gish resumed the management of the House on September 1st last, and signalized the event by thoroughly and completely renovating, re modeling, refitting and refurnishing it with entirely up-to-date condition, and the success with which he is meeting in securing increased patronage is highly gratifying.
2. A fat jolly lady chef who knew many of her guests tastes in the early days and who liked to season foods generously, presided over the kitchen. Her cooking brought in capacity crowds of diners at 35 to 50 cents per head.
3. The room rate was $1 a single and $1.25 for a double room. The rooms had wall to wall carpeting, a wash stand and other conveniences.
4. The hotel had a livery stable annex where salesman covering the county, and other guests, could hire well-groomed houses and black shinny rigs at from $1.50 to $3.00, depending on the amount of time they were out.
The Union House Hotel, Charles S. Litchfield, Owner, (1901-1910)
1. Mahala Litchfield interest in hotel to sold to son Chas S Litchfield 42 $1600 in 1900.
2. Charles Sumner Litchfield came to Medina in 1901 and bought the Union House Hotel that his grandfather Dennis Shaw once owned and operated it until 1910.
3. Union House Hotel rooms were papered, new furniture added and a new awning placed across front in 1900.
The Union House Hotel, W. H. Floyd, Prop. (1902-1903)
1. W. H. Floyd rented the Union House from C.S. Litchfield in 1902.
The Union House Hotel, Charles S. Litchfield, Prop. (1904-1906)
The Union House Hotel, Mallie E. and Nelson Elan Shaw, Props, (1906-1908)
1. Nelson was a harness maker and brother to former owner Dennis Shaw.
The Union House Hotel, Mary C. and James G. Mohn, Props. (1909-1910)
The Union House Hotel, A. R. Bixler, Prop. (1911-1917)
1. Charles S. Litchfield sold the Union House Hotel property to Albert R. Bixler for $1700 in 1910.
2. Albert R. Bixler bought the hotel furnishings from James Mohn.
The Union House Hotel, Harlan L. Keman, Props. (1917–1920)
1. H. M. Bixler sold the Union House Hotel to Harlan L. Kernan and B. O. Inman in 1917.
The Union House Hotel, George Huffman, Owner, (1920–1923)
1. Inman and Kerman sold Union House to George Huffman of Weymouth in 1920.
The Union House Hotel, L. J. Flickinger, Prop (1920 -1922)
1. L. J. Flickinger lease of the Union Hotel expired in 1922,
2. L. J. Flickinger proprietor of Union House Hotel bought the Mohn Hotel aka Monitor Hotel on North Court Street in1924.
The Union House Hotel, Mrs. George Huffman and Sons, Props. (1922-1924)
1. Mrs. Geo Huffman and 2 sons will manage the Union House Hotel while George remains on the farm.
The Union House Hotel, Mrs. R. E. Nurse, Owner, (1924-1926)
1. Mrs. R. E. Nurse, divorced wife of George Huffman, owns the property and she will take possession.
2. Mrs. R. E. Nurse, proprietor of the Union House Hotel was arrested for selling illegal liquor in 1925.
The Union House Hotel, Nettie and Andrew Johnson, Owners, (1926-1928)
1. Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Johnson renovated the Union Hotel and hired Chef V.J. Porpiglia in 1928.
The Union House Hotel, F. W. Cook and E. A. Shaffer, Props. (1928-1933)
1. Mrs. Nettie Johnson leased the Union House Hotel to F.W. Cook and E.A. Shafer of Akron, who will make improvements and will open it again.
The Union House Hotel, Nettie and Andrew Johnson, Owners and Props. (1934-1943)
1. Mrs. Johnson, the owner in 1943, bought it in 1924 and has operated or leased the Union House Hotel since then.
2. Nettie and Andrew M. Jackson, a loadmaster at AC&Y railroad, lived at the Union Hotel in 1941.
3. In 1938, Dining room service was given up.
4. In 1943, ill health caused Mrs. Nettie Johnson to close the Union House Hotel.
Vacant Building, (1943-1946)
1. In 1943, Earl Gibbs bought the property from Mrs. Nettie Johnson and will have a used car lot there after the war.
2. It has been a hotel for about 80 years, originally owned by Dennis Shaw who added the east and south wings to his 1854 residence to make a hostelry.
3. The 25 rooms once did a flourishing business after WWI. As many as 30 people were turned away in a given night.
4. Under the contract with Earl Gibbs, A.R. Egner bought the building and has 2 years to remove it.
5. Egner plans to dismantle the building and build two houses on East Smith Road with the timber.
6. The Gibbs lot is 53’ x150’.
7. The Union Hotel is for rent by A.R. Egner, a furnished hotel style with a good location for a rooming house and restaurant in 1943.
8. On July 11, 1944, a public auction was held at the Union House Hotel.
9. A. R. Egner to auction all furnishings; 20 beds, cots, bath tubs, screen doors, iron sinks, good linoleum, 15 awnings, a baby grand piano that’s 100 years old, wash bowls, 12’ marble bar, an old chicken house and a 4 car garage, 16’ x 40’.
Gibbs Motor Used Car Lot, (1946-1956)
Prackup Motors Used Car Lot, (1956-1960)
Medina United Methodist Church, (1959-2013)
1. In 1959 the Medina United Methodist Church acquired a rear lot on Broadway Street and the entire south lot at the corner of East Smith Road and South Court Street for additional church parking and 86 daily rental public parking spaces.
Heintzleman Chevrolet-Oldsmobile, Inc. Used Car Lot, (1960-1962)
1. Heintzleman leased the lot from the Medina United Methodist Church.
Century Ford, Inc. Used Car Lot, (1974-1977)
1. Century Ford leased the lot from the Medina United Methodist Church.
