Page One of Our Village Walk

Looking Across the River from the Providence Side

Welcome to our Village Walk.  This walk was developed by the late June Huffman.  We start our journey traveling south over the The Maumee River bridge.

The Mighty Maumee River Looking East From the Bridge

Before there were bridges, ferries, resembling flat barges, transported horse-drawn wagons and passengers across the river.  Old stories say the ferries were unreliable since the ferrymen weren't always on duty, thanks to their love of strong drink.

The Dominick Labino Marker Amidst the Lush Green

We are now approaching Front St.  To the left is the Dominick Labino Historical Marker.  A resident of Grand Rapids for many years, he was a glass scientist, engineer, artist and inventor.  Credited with 57 patents, "Nick" invented pure silica fiber which was used in insulating tiles covering the space shuttle Columbia and the Apollo, Mercury, and Gemini spacecrafts.  As a glass artist, Mr. Labino was co-founder of the studio glass movement in America.  His art works are in over 60 museums in the U. S. and abroad.

Directly across the highway you'll notice a small bungalow surrounded by masses of flowering blooms.  Known as an English Garden, it is open to public viewing when the "Open" sign is posted in the front yard.

The Isaac Ludwig Mill

Now we turn right onto Front St.  From this vantage point you see the front of the Isaac Ludwig Mill.  Other names associated with the mill include Peter Manor, who built the mill and also the first white man to live on the north bank; Augustine Pilliod; Frank Heising and his son, Cleo.  Cleo Heising, the last private owner, sold the mill in 1971.  Isaac Ludwig's grandson, Cleo Ludwig, founder of the L-K Restaurant chain, purchased the old landmark and deeded it to Toledo Metroparks in memory of his grandfather.  The mill, where grain is still milled and where logs are sawed into lumber, has been repaired, repainted, and converted into a working museum for the education and enjoyment of visitors who come to the park.  During periods of high water residents watch the water level in millrace intake to see if flooding is imminent.

On your right you'll notice the Organization Sign Board which bears the logos of Grand Rapids organizations and churches.  Considering a population of around 1,000, the logos indicate a very lively village.

[village walk page two]