Rossford, Ohio – The Rossford Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) has unveiled a self‑guided audio tour that uses modern technology to bring the city’s rich history to life. Visitors can scan QR codes placed at historic sites and listen to narrated stories about the town’s founding, its glass‑making legacy, and the cultural traditions that have shaped the community.
From a company town to a thriving community
Founded in 1898, Rossford began as a “company town” when industrialist Edward Ford chose the riverfront location to build a glass factory. The site offered easy access to water, sand, and transportation routes essential for glass production. Over the next century, the glass industry remained a cornerstone of the local economy, drawing immigrants from at least 18 different nationalities, many from Eastern Europe, who sought steady work and a new start.
“A lot of these buildings have been here for 100 years or close to 100 years,” said Julianne Jardine, a spokesperson for the CVB. She noted that the downtown streets still reflect the early days of the town’s development, with many structures retaining their historic character.
The Ford Club’s revival
One of the most notable historic sites highlighted on the tour is the Ford Club, originally built by Edward Ford as a recreation center for his employees. The building once housed a bowling alley, basketball court, and ballroom for community events. After years of vacancy, the International Police Service (IPS) renovated the structure, preserving its historic elements while establishing its international headquarters there.
“It had a total renovation, and it is beautiful, but they kept the history,” said Beth Genson, head of the Rossford CVB.
How the audio tour works
The tour is accessed via a simple smartphone app. Scanning a QR code at each stop provides directions, parking tips, and a narrated segment that can be paused or skipped. Users may walk the route, drive through the town, or even listen from home on a computer or phone. The entire experience takes about 40 minutes, though visitors can break it into shorter segments.
In addition to downtown landmarks, the tour spotlights Eagle Point Colony, a historic neighborhood along the Maumee River known for its attractive architecture, gardens, and early adoption of underground utilities that eliminated overhead wires.
Funding and community impact
The project was made possible through a grant from America 250‑Ohio Communities Connection, which supports neighborhood‑history storytelling. “Rossford is a little bit of something for everybody. It really is everything in one place,” Jardine said, emphasizing the tour’s role in preserving local heritage while encouraging tourism.
By offering an easy, technology‑driven way to explore the city’s past, the CVB hopes to foster pride among residents and attract visitors interested in Ohio’s industrial and cultural legacy.
Original reporting: 13abc WTVG Toledo (news) — read the source article.
