Lathrop House Supporters Celebrate Grand Opening and Historic Marker Dedication

By Tricia Hall

Sojourner’s Truth Reporter

After more than a decade of planning, fund-raising and collaboration, The Friends of The Lathrop House finally organized a community celebration to unveil the historical marker and opening of Lathrop House basement, the rest stop for untold numbers of runaway slaves on their way to freedom during the early 1800s.

The August 2, 2014 event marked a turning point in a 12-year-long struggle which included the initial relocation of the Lathrop House and securing of funds for historical renovations.

Mike Lieber, the Sylvania Town Crier, opened the program and delivered a proclamation. “The Lathrop House is the only Northwest Ohio station opened to the public. August 2 is now and forever known as Lathrop House Day.”

Actors and re-enactors at the ceremony

Harriet Tubman (K. Laverne Redden), Sue McHugh, and Cathy Nelson

Invocations were delivered by Deacon John Algee of St. John the Baptist Church and Sr. Virginia Welsh of St. Martin De Porres. “This day reflects our legacy. I thank God for our ancestors’ undying desire to seek freedom and those selfless leaders who helped their freedom journey. Amidst those who tried to destroy this house, I thank God for this day,” shared Algee.

Event volunteers and supporters became play-actors and portrayed the Lathrop House owner Lucian Lathrop, Underground Railroad conductor Harriet Tubman and runaway slave Anderson Harper.

“We’re here to unveil this historic marker, the first in northwest Ohio and Lucas County. This house had to be saved. I can’t image this house would have been torn down. A higher power is the reason why the house is here,” said Cathy Nelson, president of Friends of Freedom Society, Inc.

According to the City of Sylvania, Ohio website, the Lathrop House Project tab explains the project timeline which dates back to summer of 2001, when two parties inquired about purchasing the house and property. 

St. Joseph’s Parrish closed on the purchase for $350,000 and applied for a demolition permit. In November 2001, local citizens protested the demolition, organized a collection of $15,000 and Sylvania City Council passed a resolution asking St. Joseph’s not to demolish the house. Negotiations and legal action continued until an agreement was reached, the house relocated and a basement reconstructed at the current location.

The Friends of Freedom Society confirmed the Lathrop House as a historic location of the Underground Railroad with marker number 47. The Underground Railroad was a series of hidden safe havens utilized by runaway slaves. The Lathrop House provided safety and food for slaves on their way to Petersburg or Bedford Township in Michigan.

Friends of the Lathrop House invite the community to become a member, dues are $10.00 and meetings are bi-monthly beginning in September. Mail payment to 6751 Convent Blvd; Sylvania, Ohio 43560.

Friends of Lathrop House members

Copyright © 2014 by [The Sojourner's Truth]. All rights reserved.
Revised: 08/16/18 14:12:27 -0700.

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