More than thirty years of correspondence (over 90 cubic feet) from the Toledo City Manager’s office are now ready for use by researchers at the CAC.

Toledo established a City Manager form of government in 1934, during the depths of the Great Depression. The City Manager was responsible for the day-to-day operation of city services, under the direction of the City Council. This form of government continued in use in Toledo until 1992 when it was abolished and the “strong-mayor plan” of city government was once again re-established.

Depression, World War II, the Cold War, and the ferment of social change in the 1960s are all reflected in these files, as well as documenting the everyday operation of one of Ohio’s largest cities.

To view the finding aid for this collection, see
Toledo City Manager Correspondence on our website.

A book by Dr. David Skaggs, a professor emeritus of history, has won first place in the Academic Scholar Division of the Local History Publication Awards, presented by the Center for Archival Collections.

The committee called Oliver Hazard Perry: Honor, Courage, and Patriotism in the Early U.S. Navy the “hands down winner” in its division and an “important work of significance by a major voice in the field.” Skaggs taught at BGSU from 1965-98.

The winning entry in each division receives a $300 cash prize and a plaque.

In the Independent Scholar category, the winner was …Nothing Personal Just Business …: Prohibition and Murder on Toledo’s Mean Streets, by Kenneth Dickson. In the same category, Rita Turnwald’s History of Ottoville and Vicinity 1845-2001 received honorable mention from the selection committee as an important contribution to the Putnam County village, local historical societies, and libraries.

Dickson was hailed by the committee as “a very dogged researcher. Focusing on one local incident, he broadens interest in parallel events with national impact from Detroit and Chicago to St. Louis.” His book tells the true story of the Prohibition-era conflict between Toledo saloonkeeper Jack Kennedy and mobster Yonni Licavoli and his gang.

The awards committee reviewed six books this spring, and the CAC is now accepting nominees for next year’s honors. More information is available on the CAC’s website.

For the safety of our users and staff, the Jerome Library building will be closed during intersession on Monday, May 7 and Tuesday, May 8 for the repair of our air conditioning unit. The Jerome Library is scheduled to re-open on Wednesday, May 9. However, should there be an unexpected problem with the repair, the Jerome Library may be closed for additional days. Please check the University Libraries’ web site or call 419.372.2856 before you come to the Library that week.

If you have a reference question during the days we are closed, you may use
Ask-an-Archivist to email us, and we will respond as soon as possible.

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