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by Carl Ryan, Blade Staff Writer
The Blade (Toledo, OH)
10-30-97
Developer George Isaac told a group of historic preservationists last night that he would not be buying land in Maumee that is the site of the Fallen Timbers battlefield.
That means the land, which is in Maumee but owned by the city of Toledo, might yet become part of a proposed National Historic Site.
Mr. Isaac, of Bryan, had the right of first refusal on the land, which meant Toledo could not sell it to another developer without giving him the chance to match the price.
He still has an option on 430 adjacent acres west of Jerome Road in Maumee. The 185-acre battlefield site is on land west and north of the I-475 interchange.
Mr. Isaac told the audience of 85 gathered in the Toledo Zoo's indoor theatre that the mall project he has proposed for the optioned land is moving ahead. He will know by year's end, when his option expires, if the project will be built.
If the mall were built, its theme "would be part of the heritage here," he said to applause. "I see no reason why this can't enhance your project."
Maumee Mayor Steve Pauken said he was delighted with Mr. Isaac's announcement about the Fallen Timbers site. "This is great news," he said.
Mr. Pauken has been in the forefront of the movement to make Fallen Timbers a National Historic Site. But Maumee has been unable to pay the $9 million Toledo has said the property is worth.
If the land were a National Historic Site, affiliated with the National Park Service, the expertise of the federal agency would be available to make it a first-rate historic attraction. However, no federal funds would be available.
Last night, Rory Robinson, a representative of the National Park Service, predicted that Fallen Timbers would be given the designation before the end of the year.
William Brown, a curator with the service, described how a visitors' center might be built that would use brochures, handbooks, historic exhibits, and audio-visual programs to explain the significance of the celebrated battlefield.
In the Battle of Fallen Timbers, troops led by Gen. "Mad" Anthony Wayne defeated Indian warriors in the service of the British.
The British did not leave Michigan and Ohio as they had agreed in 1793 as part of the treaty that ended the American Revolution. The loss at Fallen Timbers the next year forced them to do so.
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