126 North 15th Street Sebring, Ohio 44672 330-938-6920 |
Edward Oliver |
Joseph Sebring |
1862-1890. Died of pneumonia. Was very musical. |
Charles Sebring |
1872-1877. Died of whooping cough. |
Purchased the former E.H. Sebring China Company in 1934 along with John Briggs and William Habenstreit. They bought the plant from a Youngstown bank for less than $30,000 with a small down payment. On June 1, 1934 the company was incorporated. Renamed the site The Royal China Company and became its head. They had three plants, the others were in East Palestine, Ohio and Logansport, Indiana. She was affectionately known as the Queen of China, and employees called her Queen Bee. Beatrice was a successful business woman in a man's world, starting the pottery business during the depression and struggling to make Royal China a leading dinnerware company. She was supportive in the community and notoriety. Thanksgiving holidays, she supplied through the company, a turkey to every worker in the plant. Christmas was another holiday where she was very giving to people in need with food and money. Each year on her birthday, in October, she would ask God for one more year to continue her life. Her friends would celebrate with her on that occasion, just one year at a time. She served as an elder at the First Presbyterian Church in Sebring, being supportive of the pastors of this church for many years. She was a driving force in getting a new church building. In the 1960's, she established the B.L. Miller Scholarship for students at Sebring High School. This scholarship still exists today in her memory. Donated funds of $20,000 in 1967 to help build B.L. Miller Elementary School, named in her honor. She adopted a daughter, Trelwany B. Baker, of Ashtabula and had two grandchildren. Bea retired in 1969 and sold the plant to the Jeannette Glass Co., of Pennsylvania. It was in turn purchased by Coca Cola Bottling Co, and then to an investors group from Boston. Bea died November 21, 1979 at the age of 80 and is buried at Grandview Cemetery in Sebring. |
Feb. 2, 1889-August 8, 1963. Came to Sebring as a store clerk from Holmes County. Fred Sebring spotted him as a likely salesman. He lined up Strauss and Schram Hartman furniture and other installment houses to sell dinner sets at a dollar down to enlist new accounts. Purchased the Saxon China Company in 1934 from The Sebring's for $30,000. Reorganized it as the French-Saxon China company. He had attended school only six months, and left home at the age of 10. He later became sales manager of Sebring Manufacturing Company, composed of French China, Saxon China and Sebring Manufacturing. Purchased by Royal China in 1964. Purchased the home first owned by George Sebring, then Charles Leigh Sebring. President of the U.S. Potters Association. |
Opened a large general store on July 1, 1900. |
John Frederick Blumenstiel and Carrie M. Weigel |
Married December 20 or 24, 1900. First couple to be married in Sebring at the home of the groom's brother, Charles Blumenstiel, a potter in Sebring. They ran the John Frederick Blumenstiel's laundry on North 15th street, next to the undertaker's. It was then moved to West Oregon avenue. Not much later, the old site burned down. Carrie was a member of the Board of Education. |
William Mooseman |
Sebring's first undertaker, arrived in April 1910, and set up shop in the building which is now Ashton's 5 and 10. |
Bought the first lot in Sebring and built the first house. He was denounced as a dreamer by his fellow townsmen in Alliance, but in a few years he purchased more lots for both homes and businesses. He owned the Kindler's City Restaurant. The Katzenstein building is on the right of the photo. |
Samuel Katzenstein |
Opened the first store in Sebring, selling groceries and provisions. It opened October 28, 1899. Photo in business of Sebring section. |
John Stackhouse |
Opened the first hardware store in Sebring on July 19, 1900. H. G. Leonard started operating as a plumbing business in Salem in 1899. This two storied hardware store opened on July 19, 1900. Operated for a short time in builders' supplies. . L. R. Emmet Lee was the first Sebring manager. By 1902, he formed a partnership with E.B. Fritchman and C. R. Oesch. In 1904, Sumner Oesch succeeded his brother Clark. The business was incorporated in 1918. Business was so good that he doubled the size of the building with it's twin next door. This business still exists today, and is owned by Susan Risbeck. |
H. G. Leonard |
Sebring's first Architect, opened his office in 1901. He designed the Methodist Episcopal Church, Elsworth Henry Sebring's residence and Oliver Howard Sebring's residence. |
Jacob Myers |
Charles Leigh Sebring, wives- Jesse Morgan, Conradine Uran and Marion Headland |
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Dick Albright/Charles J. Albright |
Frank H. (Tode) Sebring |
Graduate of Yale University and directed Limoges China Company and the Salem Pottery Company. After time in the army. Convinced his father to not join the American Chinaware Corporation. He died in 1934, and his father passed on two years later. |
Miss Margaret Kadish |
Jim Gwin/Bob Allen |
Designers of the 'Sebring Six' automobile. Received financial backing from Oliver H. Sebring. First made in 1910, the model was discontinued after creating 25 cars. It sold for $2,750. |
Historical Families of Sebring, Ohio before 1950 |
Author of the hymn, I Surrender All. |
James B. Ward Came to Sebring from Marietta, Ohio in 1897 and molded the first clay ever made in Sebring. |
East Liverpool, Ohio 'Klondike' |
The area which became known as Klondyke was originally a large farm. In the 1890's the Sebring brothers recognized he potential the area had with the nearness of the river, railroad and highway. So the farmer was approached and sold the Sebring's 80 acres of land on which to build a pottery. This pottery was built near the overhead bridge near what became Dacar Chemical Company. The one drawback was that the streetcar line did not extend this far at that time and workers objected to the long walk to and from work. The Sebring's sub-divided the remaining property into lots which they sold the workers with the promise of work in the pottery. The land had been bought for one hundred dollars an acre; but when settlement was made the farmer received one hundred dollars per lot. There are two stories told about the naming of the area one is that the rush to buy lots and build homes reminded people of the Klondyke Gold Rush, hence the name. The other story is that the vicinity was still unnamed when the post office was established, and the government had to have a name. Two were suggested: Pennova and Klondyke and the latter was chosen. |
A. E. Albright |
M. F. Cochran First Marshall of Sebring 1900. |
Gary Keller Gary Keller was born April 2, 1941 to Gretchen Gahris and J. Harrison Keller. He was the grandson of Helen Sebring and Willard Irwin Gahris and the great Grandson of F.A. and Emma Sebring. Gary lived in the Gahris/Keller home at 456 West Ohio Avenue and attended Lincoln Elementary School and Sebring McKinley High School, graduating in 1959 as Co-Salutatorian with his twin brother Jay. He was active in music and sports in high school. He then attended the Lawrenceville School in New Jersey for one year and graduated from Williams college in 1964. He and his brother ran the J. & G Print Shop during their high school years. Following college, Gary worked for Time, Inc. in NYC and became business manager of Time International. In 1970 he returned to Ohio to join his father and brother in the Salem China Company. He succeeded his father as president of the company, and continued in this capacity until his death on April 19, 1999. He was also president of Urfic, Inc., a brass manufacturing company. Gary was married to Diane Greeneisen Keller, a 1960 Sebring McKinley graduate. They had three children. The family lived in Boardman, Ohio. |
Don Richard Eckelberry Don was born in Sebring in 1921. From his earliest recollection he drew whatever interested him at the moment. When he received an air rifle as a present, he began to shoot birds. Curious, he saved his money for bird books to identify the birds he shot. Three uncles on Don's mother's side were artists, and one, Viktor Schreckengost, gave him a pair of binoculars so that he could watch, not shoot, birds. At age 13, Don began to draw and paint nature subjects. By age 15, he had formed a bird club, was writing nature columns for two newspapers, and had his own one-man art show. Following his graduation from Sebring McKinley High School, Don studied at the Cleveland Institute of Art, then studied birds in Florida and California. A friend, John H. Baker of the National Audubon Society, asked Don to join his staff. He began to travel and paint birds that he saw and was asked to illustrate the 'Audubon Bird guide'. He left the staff of Audubon so he could free lance. He then illustrated all birds of North America north of Mexico- about 1250 birds, in color, individually posed. He soon gained a national reputation. Don's books were called a contribution to a new type of bird art in America. He worked dusk till dawn to record birds and their backgrounds as well. Don was generous with his time and scholarships for young nature artists. He lived on Long Island, New York, with his wife Virginia, who is also an artist and designer of woven and printed fabrics. He died in January, 2001. |
Keith Brown, teacher Students: Katie Kelley, Elizabeth Christani, Shelby Meek, Dayne Phillips, Corey Snyder The Learning Tree The art teacher, Mr. Brown and the students were selected as members of the gifted art education class to complete an idea that incorporated the theme 'better because of me' into the wall mural being installed at B.L. Miller Elementary. After brainstorming, they decided on making something representing a 'better student'. The students felt that all of the different areas of education added together made for a well rounded person. The areas of education to be covered were Social Studies, math, language arts, music, art, physical education, character education, library sciences and health. They discussed how all of the branches of a tree help to make the whole tree stronger. Then they placed the different areas of education on different branches of a tree to represent the idea that when put all together, the areas make a stronger, more well-rounded person. Each student was responsible for artistically representing two of the areas. |
Sebring Trojan In 1937, Sebring High School had a contest to name the school mascot. The winning contestant would earn the prize of $2. A lad named Billy Freed submitted the winning name, 'Trojan'. That year it became the name of the school yearbook. It has been in use as the yearbook name, a mascot and logo since that time. In 2007, Cindy Christani created the Trojan mascot suit, to be worn by students with exceptional school pride. |
Harry Crewson 'Pop' Crewson worked for the railroad for 51 years. He was also very active in his community, helping to create the city park system. The Crewson-Woods park was named in his honor. For the enjoyment of the children in the winters, he had a part of Northside and Southside Parks flooded by the fire department to provide ice-skating ponds. |
Born in Denmark in 1904. Moved to Sebring in 1948 and became the art director of the Spaulding China Company. Later became a librarian at the Sebring Public Library. She died December 6, 1998. |
Dick Davis, Margaret Zang, Helen Sebring Gahris and Frank (Tode)Sebring |
George Alfred Stanford Born on Dec. 9, 1909 in Beloit, Ohio. He was married to Evelyn Xavier McCloskey on Feb. 2, 1934. In the late 1930's he moved from Pennsylvania to Sebring, Ohio and operated Stanford Pottery. Stanford Art Pottery operated from 1945 until 1961. At one time or another, all of the Stanford siblings and their spouses worked in the pottery. They are both buried in California. |
Morris Feinberg Born Jan. 25, 1900 in Long Island, NY. In the mid 1930's, he and his partner, Irving Miller designed and sold pottery kitchen clocks. Some were sold at Sears Roebuck under the 'Harmony House' label. He came to Sebring, Ohio to find ceramic parts for his clocks. While there, he became so excited about pottery that he bought a vacant plant in 1941 and became highly respected for producing quality work. |
James G. Eardley His father was the first treasurer of the National Potter's Union, organized His father was the first treasurer of the National Potter's Union, organized 1942. He was known as Mr. Republican in Mahoning County and was a in the late 1880's in east Liverpool, Ohio. He joined Spaulding China in in the late 1880's in east Liverpool, Ohio. He joined Spaulding China in 1942. He was known as Mr. Republican in Mahoning County and was a three time delegate to the National Convention. He was also known for his skill at administration at Spaulding. He passed away July 3, 1973. |
Lives of great men all remind us, We can make our lives sublime. And departing, leave behind us; Footprints on the sands of time. -Longfellow |
Curt Fahnert Designer behind many pieces of Royal China. He originally helped out at the pottery to set up for a trade show, and stayed for 24 years. He is the designer of the 'Santa Fe' pattern, which grossed over $6 million. |
Dick was Sebring's first Postmaster in a small frame building on North 15th Street. He was also the first mayor and the first minister of the first church. He was known as the busiest man in Sebring. After starting the post office, he assembled four letters, placed one in each sack and called it a day's work as he sent one out on each of the four mail trains ordered to stop. He also exacted the sum of $2 from one of the first culprits to face his bench and the fine was for the crime of riding a horse down the sidewalks of Sebring. He conducted prayer meetings and church services in an old barn for the Methodists of the village. His home is in this view of the corner of N. 15th and Maryland Avenue, on the left. In the early 1900's, he and his brother Charles J. Albright (Husband of Emma Sebring) and Albright's brother-in-law Henderson started a plant in Carrollton, known as the Carrollton Pottery Company. This plant suspended early in the 1930's and for a time was used for refining beryllium after being dismantled. In 1910, Dick broke away from the firm and with the aid of others, built the Albright China Company in Carrollton. It closed after his death in the 1930's. |
Thomas Woods, Harry Crewson Namesakes of Crewson/Woods Park |
Mr. John C. Allen Proprietor of Allen Brothers and then Allen and Sons Furniture. Helped to reorganize Strong Mfg. Co., and founder of the Grandview Cemetery. |
Mary Ellen and John E. Griggs She was born Aug. 18, 1870, and passed December 14, 1956. |
Jennie S. Albright and E. C. Albright He was one of the founders of the Gem Clay Forming Company. She was Born October 28, 1889, and passed away May 22, 1956. |
Doris Fabean and Harold Ramon Scott Jr. Owners of Ashton's 5 and 10. |
Josephine Jane Sebring, Daughter of Charles Leigh Sebring marries Roy Everett Smail |
Louis Porter In about 1927 he was a successful door to door installment dinner set salesman. He convinced several potteries on a plan to be part of Wall Street, which was giving many delusions of grandeur. |
Paul Schreckengost |
Married Feb. 28, 1901. Both were heirs to the largest pottery holdings in the United States. They were married only 18 months after the Sebring Brothers laid out the town of Sebring, Ohio. 200 homes had been built. Married in the Sebring Methodist Church. Homer's father was a partner in the Knowles, Taylor and Knowles pottery and a personal friend of William McKinley. Pearl's parents were Oliver and Matilda Holmes Sebring, who lived in a $100,000 mansion surrounded by $1,000-5,000 homes. Wedding gifts were estimated at $18,000 in value. 350 guests attended the wedding, about 200 came from East Liverpool and Wellsville on a special wedding train, leaving at 6 pm and arriving at 8:30 for the ceremony. Awnings and canopies covered the guests as they awaited closed cabs to be taken to the church. Street workers worked all day clearing the constantly drifting snow on the mud streets and sidewalks. 87 electric lights, a rare innovation in 1901 lit the church artistically. Pearl was born Jan 7, 1881 and died Dec. 1948 in Burbank, California. Construction was rushed on the First Methodist Church in Sebring to be ready for her wedding Feb. 27, 1901 to Homer J. Taylor, 1876-1943. |
Wade Beatty Sebring's first patrolman. He purchased his own uniform, and wore it with an air of authority. He ordered jail cells, believing that the town would erect the building. When they arrived, they had to be stored in one of the potteries. |
Harry H. Davidson Sebring's first fire chief. Went with the first village council to examine the effectiveness of chemical fire apparatus in Cleveland. |
Walter Crewson Also known as Sebring's first bridegroom. He was to go to East Liverpool for his wedding, but was stuck in Sebring anxiously awaiting his marriage license. As he boarded one train, his license was tossed to him from another and the Crewson wedding day was saved. The Crewson's chose Sebring for its anti-saloon clause in every deed. |
Ray Shafer Son of a former minister at the Church of Christ, became a governor of Pennsylvania. He spent most of his school days in Sebring, but was not here for his senior year in high school as the family moved. |
Noah Pugh With a dray horse, plowed the streets and the sidewalks of Sebring so the children could get to school. He did this as a 'good Samaritan'. |
Charles with Mildred Albright Lindsay |
Mrs. Gahris was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank A. Sebring. Helen Gahris was a noted socialite and hostess. Unfortunately, her love for parties and hosting brought about her demise. She and several other area persons died as a result of food poisoning. Tainted olives, which she purchased from an Alliance market and served at a coming home party for WWI veterans caused the deaths. The Olive Tragedy |
Helen Sebring Gahris |
Joeseph Sebring 1862-1890 Died of pneumonia |
Charles Mack Businessman, owned the Strand Theatre |
Henry Hutmacher Pioneer resident |
Henry Heisler |
Captain J. C. Hartzell Pioneer Citizen |
Squire S. Card |
Percy Frost General Manger of the Decorating Department of the Sebring Co. Potteries |
George William Harlan The early Harlan's were of English ancestry. They joined the Quakers under George Fox, father of Quakerism. During this period, many Quakers were being persecuted and they fled to Ireland. Two brothers, George and Michael Harlen, came to this country from County Down Ireland and settled in Chester County, PA. They were followers of William Penn. As the west opened, many settlers moved. Among these was Henry Harlan, great grandfather to George. He moved his family west to Fayette County, PA and settled in Luzerne Township. In the tax list for 1796, Henry Harlan, a weaver, was taxed for one horse, value $60, and one cow, value $10. Henry brought his family to Columbiana County, Ohio around 1813. One Jan. 3, 1814, Henry bought 100 acres of land in section 17 of Center township. This land was bounded on the north by the county poor house. Henry died in 1847 and this land was turned over to his son, Ezekiel. Ezekiel Harlan was married to Polly Kirk and had a large family. His eldest son was Elwood, born Dec. 4, 1814 and the father of George W. Elwood married December 10, 1840 to Rebecca Rudisell. They had the following children: George W., Thomas E., Henry, Samuel J., Ezekiel, and Mary Jane. In 1845, Elwood purchased 100 acres of land in Know Township Section 4. The family lived here until after Elwood's death. The farm was then sold at public auction to Frederick Zurbrugg. The farm is still owned today by his heirs. |
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