Native Americans settled the land that is now known as Wauseon many years before the first white settlers arrived. Arcadia Publishing will release a new pictorial history book by local author Robert Krumm on November 10. Wauseon uses over 200 vintage images to detail the lives of the first residents, the role of the railroads, special events, and the businesses and industries that have shaped Wauseon.
Wauseon became a prosperous town in part because it had three railroads passing through it. These railroads connected Wauseon to the rest of the country and brought settlers, cargo and mail. However, when the first train stopped in Wauseon, there were only 15 residents. The book contains many images of rail life like the first trains, a wreck, and the Barnum & Bailey Circus train.
Wauseon highlights some of the major fires that have occurred in Wauseon. Some may remember the 1960 explosion of the junior high school. In 2002, the historic Arcade building, which had been transitioned to small offices and apartments, erupted in flames. Additionally, in 2007, another major fire rocked the town, destroying Doc Holiday’s Restaurant and adjacent buildings.
Robert Krumm preserves the images of the past so that the history can be remembered in the future. His book is being released during the town’s 160th anniversary.
Highlights of Wauseon include:
•Images of Wauseon’s first dirt streets with information about how they were maintained.
•Images from Wauseon’s first homecoming in 1934, and the many homecomings that followed.
•Images of industries like “the flashlight factory” and the Malleable Iron Works plant.
Available at area bookstores, independent retailers, and online retailers, or through Arcadia Publishing at (888)-313-2665 or online.
Arcadia Publishing is the leading publisher of local and regional history in the United States. Our mission is to make history accessible and meaningful through the publication of books on the heritage of America’s people and places. Discover more than 8,500 small towns and downtowns athttp://www.arcadiapublishing.com.
