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NW Ohio History: Businesses in Bowling Green

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Bowling Green, Ohio experienced the economic boom that accompanied the discovery and development of the gas and oil industry following the Civil War. However, the supply outstripped the demand and as resources were exhausted by the late 1890s, the community began to feel an economic slump. Local boosters did their best to promote broader development, emphasizing a healthy business climate. On Friday, February 16, 1900, the Wood County Democrat published an edition highlighting the downtown business district. Today, these articles make a fascinating snapshot of Bowling Green just a century ago.

THE WOOD COUNTY DEMOCRAT

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 16, 1900
BOWLING GREEN
The Capital of Ohio's Greatest Oil Producing Country
Where Live Merchants Flourish and
Where There is Little Excuse
For People Trading Away
From Home

A good citizen is a royal citizen, and a royal citizen takes an active interest in home affairs. The following sketches of Bowling Green's business men have been prepared for THE DEMOCRAT to show the advantage this city offers as a trading point. In fact our people can find no valid excuse for visiting other cities to buy goods. The same opportunities exist here, and usually even lower prices can be had, as the expense of conducting business in Bowling Green is merely trivial when compared to large cities. All who read these sketches and watch THE DEMOCRAT's advertising columns are fully informed as to where and what to buy and what prices to pay.

Agriculture & Light Industry

Agriculture

Blacksmithing, Horseshoeing

Hardware Stores & Lumber Yards

Light Industry

Banking, Insurance, Real Estate

Banks

Insurance

Real Estate

Clothing

Shoes

Millinery (Women's Clothing and Hats)