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The Blade (Toledo, OH)
8-22-00
Maumee city council reaffirmed its commitments to two local historical projects last night, agreeing to spend $500,000 for the Fallen Timbers Battlefield and preparing to renovate the Maumee Theater.
Council unanimously agreed to send $500,000 to Toledo Area Metroparks as the city's contribution to the purchase of the Fallen Timbers Battlefield.
In addition, council told its building and lands committee to search for a consultant to evaluate the condition of the Maumee Theater in preparation for its renovations.
The city bought the theater at Anthony Wayne Trail and Conant Street this month for $300,000 and is scheduled to get the title tomorrow.
"It shows a respect for history and preservation of our past, as well as looking to the future," Mayor Tim Wagener said after the meeting. "I think it's a nice mix there."
The theater, built in the Art Moderne style and listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1998, was an entertainment venue from the time it was built in 1946 until it closed in 1996.
Council was instrumental in being the first government entity to come up with funds toward purchasing the Fallen Timbers land from the city of Toledo, the mayor said.
"We felt it was important to move the project along. We hoped by offering them $500,000, it would spur others to put money in the kitty," he said.
The park district has an agreement with Toledo to buy the battlefield site in Maumee for $5.5 million.
The sale is to be in two parts: 72 acres for $2.8 million this year, and 115 acres for $2.7 million by July 31, 2001. The state has kicked in $2 million, Lucas County donated $300,000 and Maumee's $500,000 is being used for purchasing the first part. Efforts are under way to come up the rest of the money.
The battlefield is part of about 1,200 acres, formerly in Monclova Township, which the city purchased for $14 million in 1987. The courts blocked an annexation attempt and Toledo has sold most the land, which has become a part of Maumee.
The 1795 Treaty of Greenville, which resulted from the Battle of Fallen Timbers, opened Ohio and much of the Northwest Territory to settlers. In the war, Gen. Anthony Wayne led forces that defeated and alliance of American Indian tribes.
In 1995, the 187-acre Maumee site was identified as the location of the battle. Congress named the battleground a National Historic Site last year.
Council appointed Maumee Administrator John Jezak to represent them on the battlefield project's advisory commission, which is to determine the best use for the property and to educate the public about its significance, Mayor Wagener said.
"Right now, it's a cornfield and a forest," he said.
As for the Maumee project, the consultant will check the heating, ventilation, and the accessibility for the disabled, Mr. Jezak said.
Other issues to be addressed are decorations, seating, and the sound and projection system.
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